Updated Monday, September 2
As you may have seen in the news, Hurricane Dorian is rapidly approaching Florida and is due to make landfall sometime this weekend. On Saturday, the National Weather Service reported that the storm had strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane, though it appears to have been downgraded to a Category 4 as of Monday. Residents across east central Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are urged to make preparations and seek shelter.
What We Know
- Hurricane Dorian may be a difficult storm to predict. It started out small, which means it could intensify or weaken, and its path could change rapidly.
- The National Hurricane Center predicts that the storm could sit over Florida for up to 24 hours before moving on. The longer the storm sits, the more rainfall and the higher the risk of intense flooding.
- Residents in east central Florida can expect to experience high winds and storm-like conditions late Saturday or early Sunday. As of Friday evening, no formal evacuation orders had been given, though the governor of Florida noted that a number of gas stations are already running out of fuel.
- Residents in eastern Georgia and the Carolinas should also monitor the ongoing forecast. This storm may turn north and affect those states later this week.
- As of Sunday evening, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ordered a mandatory evacuation of the state’s Atlantic coast beginning midday Monday. Areas to be evacuated include parts of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh counties.
Staying Updated
- Follow the progress of the storm.
- Get updates from the National Weather Service on Twitter.
- Get real-time updates from the National Hurricane Center.
How You Can Help
- Give blood, if you are able to do so. No matter where you are in the country, your blood donation can help with the medical needs of those affected by the storm.
- If you live in the storm’s path and have access to social media, stay connected and mark yourself safe to keep friends and family informed.
- Organize a collection of supplies for residents impacted by the storm. (Just be sure you can get the supplies to their intended destination before you begin your collection.) You can also connect with local food banks in affected areas and send money directly to them. Following natural disasters, money is often more helpful than supplies, as it is easier to get into the hands of people who need it.
- The northern Bahamas have greatly felt the effects of the hurricane as the storms stalled overhead for two days. Here are some ways you can support relief efforts there.
If you are in the path of Hurricane Dorian, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Stay safe, and know that we have your back!