A powerful category 5 hurricanehit the Bahamas on Sunday, devastating a good portion of the islands as severe winds and flooding wreaked havoc across its shores. The hurricane, which has since slightly weakened to an intense category 4,is now threatening to move northwest straight into the coasts of Florida.
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Hurricane Dorian Will Hit Florida On Tuesday Amid Fears Of Historical Damage
A catastrophe for the Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian lingered over the islands from Sunday to Monday, directly hitting Elbow Cay, Great Abaco, and Grand Bahama Island. The extended duration of the hit has spelled catastrophe for the region, as extreme winds and storm surge flooding intensifies the longer the storm lasts.
The National Hurricane Center described the situation on Great Avaco and Grand Bahama Island as "life-threatening," with roads, buildings, and other infrastructures being severely damaged or outright destroyed. If anyone remained behind after evacuation procedures took place, they witnessed a thing of nightmares.
The winds reached nearly 200 mphat some point, while flooding caused water to go up to 23 feet above the regular tide. With the eye of the storm hovering over the islands well into Monday morning, this could alter the face of the Bahamas for years to come.
Threatening Florida
The National Hurricane Center issued hurricane warnings for Florida, warning about potential storm surges and destructive winds. Indeed, many areas in Florida could potentially share the devastating fate of the Bahamas if Hurricane Dorian suddenly moves northwest, rather than straight north. The warnings reach from the Atlantic coast of Florida up towards southeastern Georgia, which could also be affected in the coming days.
Though the hurricane has downgraded into a category 4, the situation can still be extremely dangerous if you're in the area. Strong surges and wild tides can reach the coast even if the storm goes straight north, as its trail will remain big enough to hit Florida no matter what. Obviously, though, trail winds are far preferable to a direct hit.
“It cannot be stressed enough that only a small deviation to the left of the NHC forecast could bring the core of the extremely dangerous hurricane onshore of the Floridaeast coast within the hurricane warning area,” the National Hurricane Center stated. “In addition, Dorian’s wind field is predicted to expand, which would bring hurricane-force winds closer to the east coast of Florida even if the track does change.”
The National Weather Service also issued a wary statement, saying that “although it remains uncertain just how close the eye of Dorian will get to the Florida east coast,the threat of damaging winds and life-threatening storm surge remains high. There will be considerable impacts and damage to coastal areas, with at least some effects felt inland as well!”
So keep an eye out for official reports, and steerclear of any dangerous areasas the storm passes. Stay safe!
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