Everyone on the east coast of Florida pay attention!
The eye-wall of hurricane Dorian now carries 185 mph winds outward 45 miles from center. It cannot be overstated how dangerous this storm has become. Very few structures can withstand winds of that scale for any prolonged duration of time.
This is a ‘topography changing’ event.
At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the extremely distinct eye of Hurricane Dorian was located near latitude 26.5 North, longitude 77.1 West. Dorian is moving toward the west near 7 mph (11 km/h). A slower westward motion should continue for the next day or two, followed by a gradual turn toward the northwest.. The hurricane should move closer to the Florida east coast late Monday through Tuesday night.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km). (more)
For the east coast of Florida everything is contingent on a sharp turn north as predicted by the National Hurricane Center. However, even a few miles further West can make a big difference. Do not take the path of this storm lightly!
In the past 48 hours Dorian has only moved 0.3 degrees north in latitude. It has been heading almost due West for the past two days. The Bahamas are now experiencing one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded; and unfortunately it is moving slowly.
If you are along the Florida east coast. Do not take chances. Listen to evacuation instructions from your local officials.
A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for: North of Deerfield Beach to the Volusia/Brevard County Line. All preparations should be rushed to completion.
If this storm doesn’t turn North as predicted it will mean significant problems. The aftermath of life after a storm like this is very hard.
https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1168203513836556293
If you can leave the east coast it would be prudent to prepare NOW to do so. As soon as any evacuation order is given, please leave.