28 Aug 2019 | 06:34 PM UTC
US: Hurricane Warning issued for US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico as Dorian approaches Aug. 28 /update 3
Officials issue Hurricane Warning for US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on August 28 as Hurricane Dorian approaches; rain, strong winds, and flash flooding possible on August 28-29
Event
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Hurricane Warning for the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as of 14:00 (local time) on Wednesday, August 28, as Hurricane Dorian - a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale - approaches the islands.
Dorian is expected to move near or over the US Virgin Islands in the coming hours. Hurricane conditions, including strong winds and rains, are expected in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by Wednesday afternoon. Rainfall totals of 10-15 cm (4-6 in), with localized maximum totals of 25 cm (10 in), are expected across the abovementioned areas. The Governor of the US Virgin Islands announced on Wednesday morning that a territory-wide curfew would take effect from 12:00 on Wednesday until 6:00 on Thursday, August 29. Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced of Puerto Rico also declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.
Dozens of airlines have canceled flights via San Juan's (Puerto Rico) Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) until Thursday morning. Further information on SJU's operations can be found on its website. Flights to the US Virgin Islands' Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on Wednesday have reportedly been diverted to SJU.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Dorian is located at approximately 18.3°N 65.0°W and is tracking northwest at 20 kph (13 mph). The hurricane is exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and is expected to strengthen over the coming hours and days as it approaches the Continental US (map here).
Transportation and business disruptions, as well as power outages, are to be expected 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.
