The authorities of Florida have on Thursday issued a state of emergency to the entire state ahead of the arrival of strongest Hurricane Dorian, with forecast prediction of turning into a highly dangerous “Category 4” storm during this coming weekend ahead striking the Atlantic coast.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state of emergency as the government cancelled all in and out commercial flights and advised to prepared themselves in advance before the storm’s arrival, according to Al-Jazeera news reports.
There's an increasing chance for #Dorian to bring a triple-threat of dangers to the Florida east coast…
🌊life-threatening storm surge
🌬️devastating hurricane-force winds
🌧️heavy rainsThe onset of tropical storm force winds could be as soon as Saturday evening.
Prepare NOW. pic.twitter.com/Moes49tcyu— National Weather Service (@NWS) August 29, 2019
Dorain is predicted to accumulate winds up to 130 mph in some 72 hours soon, the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre reported on Thursday, turning into the dangerous Category 4 storm level – the second-highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale used for measuring the intensity of hurricane.
Category 4 storms are described as capable of causing catastrophic damage, including severe damage to residents and structures. It also said during such storm “most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed”.
Hurricane Dorain is expected on Monday to hit Florida’s eastern coast before heading to central Florida on Tuesday and tropical winds could start in maximum parts of Florida as soon as Saturday evening, according to to Hurrican centre.
“All residents, especially those along the east coast, need to be prepared for possible impacts,” DeSantis said in a statement. “As it increases strength, this storm has the potential to severely damage homes, businesses and buildings, which is why all Floridians should remain vigilant. Do not wait until it is too late to make a plan.”
United States President Donald Trump also urged people residing in Florida to heed official alerts with tweeting, “Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night,” adding, “Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!”
Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night. Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2019
Trump also cancelled his planned visit to Poland due to the emerging storm, stating, “Our highest priority is the safety and security of the American people in the path of the hurricane.”
“Dorian is expected to become a major hurricane on Friday, and remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through the weekend,” the hurricane centre said.