Florida on high alert as Hurricane Dorian batters Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian is causing severe damage in the Bahamas and the category 5 storm looks to be heading to Florida.

On Friday, there were warnings Dorian’s strength could increase to a category 3 or 4. In fact, it has been upgraded to category 5 – the most powerful storm in the Atlantic this season, with winds of up to 180mph.

Dorian hit Elbow Cay in the Bahamas on Sunday. The north of the Bahamas is currently taking a direct hit, but Dorian’s effects are being felt within 30 miles of the storms centre. A seven-year-old boy has died and his sister is missing in the storm.

Power and communications have been affected on the islands and there are warnings to people to stay in shelters.

Dorian is heading westward towards Florida, where landfall is a ‘distinct possibility’ on Tuesday, according to weather watchers. The storm is then expected to turn northward and move up the Florida coast.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has extended the state of emergency to all 67 counties in the state.

"Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster.  As it increases strength, this storm has the potential to severely damage homes, businesses and buildings," DeSantis said.

Bill Karins, a meteorologist for NBC News said: It’s going to be this big, bad, intense storm — wherever it hits, it’s going to do catastrophic wind damage.

State tourism promotion body Visit Florida is providing weather alerts and official resources on its website and social media to assist visitors. US airlines, including American Airlines, Delta and United have issued travel alerts for airports across Florida, and, in some cases, Georgia.

UK carriers, including BA and Virgin, are monitoring the situation.

Almost 100 flights were cancelled at Orlando Airport on Sunday, although the airport expects to open on Monday. However, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport will close.

From Wednesday, the storm is expected to continue to produce hurricane-force winds as it heads north, where it could continue to weaken.

There will be an increasing risk of strong winds and dangerous storm surges along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Flooding rainfall is expected to continue from southern Florida into Georgia. On Thursday, Dorian looks likely to make landfall on the Carolina coast.

President Trump said in a video message on Twitter: "All indications are it’s going to hit very hard and it’s going to be very big."

He added Dorian could be ‘an absolute monster’.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its advice for the Bahamas and Florida.

The FCO said: "Evacuation orders have been implemented for parts of Grand Bahama and Abaco and the ports and airports closed.

"Nassau airport is open but under regular review, check with airlines for flight details. You should follow the advice of local authorities.

"Hurricane alert in effect for New Providence, Eleuthera, North Andros, Bimini and the Berry Islands."

The FCO’s advice for Florida says: "Dorian is tracking across the Tropical Atlantic; estimated strength now category 5. Storm effects may be felt along the US South East coast from late on Monday 2 September and continuing over the course of the week; likely to impact Florida, possibly North and South Carolina and parts of Georgia."

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