Watching Dorian: What the shifting hurricane track means for Florida, Carolinas
What a difference a day makes.
This time yesterday, much of Florida was preparing for a visit from powerful Hurricane Dorian. However, we woke Saturday morning to an eastward shift in the storm track, indicating Dorian may skirt Florida's coast and possibly make landfall in North or South Carolina.
The news about Dorian is changing rapidly. This newsletter is intended to keep you up to speed on the latest in your community. Our local journalists are working this Labor Day weekend to keep you informed.
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Big-picture updates (scroll down for regional info)
Florida watches issued: The first tropical storm watches in Florida were issued at 5 p.m. Saturday for parts of the state's east coast from Deerfield Beach to the Sebastian Inlet. That means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. Be ready.
Bahamas brace: Hurricane Dorian was poised to exact a punishing toll on the Bahamas, parts of which were under hurricane watches and warnings Saturday.
Carolinas prepare: South Carolina declared a state of emergency at noon Saturday as the state prepared for potential catastrophic flooding and other damage. “Given the strength and unpredictability of the storm, we must prepare for every possible scenario,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. North Carolina emergency teams also have their eye on Dorian (more details below).
National Guard ready to respond: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized the activation of 2,500 National Guard members with 1,500 more on standby. They will be deployed to the areas hardest-hit by Dorian.
Beaches vulnerable: Many Florida beaches haven't rebuilt since Hurricane Irma washed away sand in 2017, making them more vulnerable to storm surge from Dorian. Some $460 million for Florida beach restoration has yet to be spent, partly because beach construction is off limits during sea turtle nesting season.
Shades of Matthew: With the track shifting north and east, Hurricane Dorian is shaping up to be a stronger, slower version of Hurricane Matthew, which caused damage on Florida's east coast in 2016.That's according to Bryan Norcross, a former TV meteorologist best known for his life-saving work on air during Hurricane Andrew.
We're at the NHC: Our reporter Janine Zeitlin is embedded at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, providing regular video updates from NHC's director.
Helpful storm apps: Before Dorian approaches your area, consider downloading the FEMA app and several others to stay informed about the latest emergency information. Also, here's how to file an instant price-gouging complaint.
Florida
On the Space Coast:
- Evacuations were delayed by 24 hours, until 8 a.m. Monday, in Brevard County's beachside communities.
- The Orlando Melbourne International Airport will close at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, suspending all airline, rental car and parking operations until Hurricane Dorian has passed.
- Patrick Air Force base issued a limited evacuation order on Saturday. Air Force personnel and their families were ordered to evacuate to within 500 miles of the base but outside of the storm's projected path.
- Patient evacuations were planned for Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital, which sits on a barrier island.
- Sandbags will still be available Sunday in Brevard County, but only at one location.
- FLORIDA TODAY staffers Isadora Rangel and Rob Landers offered their hurricane tips via Facebook Live.
On the Treasure Coast:
- Jim Cantore was all over Stuart on Saturday, taking selfies with fans and reporting on Dorian. "Twenty four hours ago, this was ground zero" for the hurricane, he said. With Dorian's path shifting, it's safe to guess he will relocate.
- Events were canceled across the Treasure Coast this Labor Day weekend due to Dorian. Check out our complete list of cancellations.
- Gas stations had short lines and plenty of fuel Saturday on the Treasure Coast, a sharp contrast with previous days.
- Check out our photo gallery of residents and workers preparing for Dorian across the Treasure Coast on Saturday.
In the Panhandle:
- Gov. Ron DeSantis updated residents Saturday from the state Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
- Will Hurricane Dorian hit Tallahassee? It's looking increasingly unlikely.
- Meanwhile, FSU fans were fuming after the team's season-opener loss to Boise State University – which had to be rescheduled and moved due to Dorian.
- The Pensacola News Journal is tracking which counties have evacuation orders in Florida.
In Southwest Florida:
- As Dorian's track shifted east Saturday morning, Southwest Florida was no longer in the "cone of uncertainty."
- Nonetheless, Collier County commissioners declared a local state of emergency on Saturday morning. The city of Bonita Springs did the same.
- And some gas stations in the Fort Myers area restricted the amount of fuel customers could buy, due to limited supplies.
- By noon Monday, Lee County school officials plan to announce whether classes will resume Tuesday.
North and South Carolina
- As mentioned above, South Carolina's governor issued a state of emergency at noon Saturday as the state prepared for potential catastrophic flooding and other damage.
- What happened with Dorian's track? Here's how South Carolina went from in the clear to in the cross hairs.
- North Carolina residents also have their eyes on Dorian. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety noted on Twitter it is "too early to discuss specific impacts to NC," but cautioned resident to closely monitor the storm's track.
- Meanwhile, it's only been a year since Hurricane Florence caused severe damage on the coast of North Carolina.
Catch up on the latest images showing the projected path of Dorian, as of 5 p.m. EDT Saturday.
That's all for tonight. We'll check back in with you tomorrow.
Be safe,
Eve Samples, USA Today Network-Florida opinion & engagement editor
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