Hurricane Dorian news – live: Mass evacuations underway in Florida and Georgia as deadly storm approaches US coast
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Your support makes all the difference.Hurricane Dorian is devastating the Bahamas after the historic Category 5 storm parked over the island chain for multiple days, killing at least five people and leaving thousands of homes, buildings and an airport under feet of water.
“We are in the midst of a historic tragedy,” Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said. “The devastation is unprecedented and extensive.”
Hundreds of thousands of people in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina have meanwhile been ordered to evacuate before the storm rolls up the Eastern Seaboard, bringing the possibility of life-threatening storm-surge flooding even if Dorian’s heart stays offshore, as forecast. Several large airports announced closures and many flights were cancelled for Monday and Tuesday.
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The storm is finally moving away from Grand Bahama island, per the NHC:
Footage and photos of the devastation have begun to roll in, and those on the ground are saying the damage is much worse than anticipated.
On the heels of Hurricane Dorian, Tropical Storm Ferdinand has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. A warning for northeast Mexico has been issued:
Here are some photos from ZNS Bahamas as Dorian finally makes it way out. The local news station called the damage "expansive."
Here's a pilot flying over Abaco with chilling commentary on the devastation beneath:
Queen Elizabeth has offered her condolences in the following statement:
"Prince Philip and I have been shocked and saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, and we send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives following this terrible storm.
At this very difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have seen their homes and property destroyed, and I also send my gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery effort.”
Dorian is moving towards Florida, growing larger as it does. Here's the latest update from the National Hurricane Center:
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Ferdinand is approaching Mexico:
North Carolina governor Roy Cooper has issued a mandatory state evacuation for areas on the state's coast expected to be hit by Dorian as it makes its way to the US mainland.
“Please listen to and follow all evacuation orders,” the governor wrote in a statement issuing the order. “We have seen the life and death effects of this storm in the Bahamas, and we urge everyone on the islands at the coast to leave.”
New warnings and watches have been issued by the National Hurricane Center for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia:
Hurricane Dorian is estimated to cause erosion at about 80 per cent of the beaches between Florida and North Carolina this week, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Reuters reports on how unprepared these sandy beaches are for recovery, due to constant battering from previous storms.
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