29 Aug 2019 | 01:24 AM UTC
US: Hurricane advisories for Hurricane Dorian discontinued August 28 /update 4
Officials discontinue Hurricane Watches and Warnings for Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands as Hurricane Dorian moves into the Atlantic; state of emergency declared in Florida
Event
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) discontinued the Hurricane Warning for the US Virgin Islands and the Hurricane Watch for Puerto Rico for Hurricane Dorian at 20:00 (local time) on Wednesday, August 28. As of Wednesday evening, Dorian is moving northwest away from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico at 20 kph (13 mph) and is expected to continue on the same path through Friday, August 30. The storm is then forecast to turn northeast and strengthen before hitting Florida on Monday, September 2, as a major hurricane (map here). Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in preparation of Dorian’s landfall and warned residents to gather supplies as a precaution.
Dorian caused limited damage in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as it moved through the region earlier on Wednesday as a Category 1 Hurricane. Power outages and flooding occurred in some areas, but no major damages have been reported. Over 100 flights at San Juan's (Puerto Rico) Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) were canceled and residual disruptions are expected on Thursday, August 29. Similar disruptions are anticipated at the US Virgin Islands' Cyril E. King Airport (STT).
As of 20:00 on Wednesday, Dorian is located at approximately 19.2°N 65.7°W with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph (80 mph). The storm is forecast to bring 10-20 cm (4-8 in) of rainfall, with up to 25 cm (10 in) in isolated areas, to coastal areas of southeastern US when it makes landfall. Transportation and business disruptions, as well as power outages, are anticipated in areas forecast to be affected by Dorian over the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.
