The 11:00 AM update from the National Hurricane Center is here and the NHC has stated that Hurricane Dorian is now the strongest hurricane in modern record to hit the northwestern Bahamas, making it stronger than Hurricane Michael in 2018 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
JUST IN: Hurricane Dorian has become the "strongest hurricane in modern records" for the northwestern Bahamas. https://t.co/97GrqvCnc4
-Winds up to 180 mph
-Moving W at 7 mph
-20 miles ENE of Great Abaco Island pic.twitter.com/PyOrx7PjKH— ABC News (@ABC) September 1, 2019
Currently, Dorian has winds up to 180mph and is moving West at 7mph approximately 20 miles East-Northeast of Great Abaco Island. Dorian is currently tracking to go up the coast of Florida, missing the Sunshine State, but the NHC warns that this hurricane is unpredictable and still could make landfall in Florida.
Here’s the latest update from the National Hurricane Center:
Key Messages:
1. A prolonged period of catastrophic winds and storm surge will
affect the Abaco Islands today. Everyone there should take immediate
shelter and not venture into the eye. These catastrophic conditions
are likely on Grand Bahama Island later today or tonight, and
efforts to protect life and property there should be rushed to
completion.2. Storm surge and hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings are
in effect for portions of the Florida east coast. Life-threatening
storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds are possible along
portions of the Florida east coast through mid-week, as only a
slight deviation to the left of the official forecast would bring
the core of Dorian near or over the coast. Residents should listen
to advice given by local emergency officials.3. There is an increasing likelihood of strong winds and dangerous
storm surge along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North
Carolina later this week. Residents in these areas should continue
to monitor the progress of Dorian.4. Heavy rains, capable of producing life-threatening flash floods,
are possible over northern portions of the Bahamas and coastal
sections of the southeast and lower mid-Atlantic regions of the
United States through late this week.
Late last night, Orlando International Airport stated it would lift its original plans to close on Monday, September 2nd.
The National Hurricane Center continues to urge Florida visitors and residents to make preparations ahead of Hurricane Dorian as trajectories can still shift at the last minute, not to mention the effects of flooding and other impacts from being inside the cone.
While Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy states that a Hurricane Watch or Warning must be issued in the area for cancellation or change fees to be waived, it appears that Disney Vacation Club is already extending that courtesy to guests with upcoming reservations this weekend, and some of our readers have reported getting it waived for regular Walt Disney World resort reservations and vacation packages. Just be prepared for long hold times when you call in. Wait times as long as two hours or more have been reported, so do be patient.
You can also check for any further updates for Hurricane Dorian from the National Hurricane Center here, and read up on Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy here.
Stay tuned to WDWNT as we update this story as news develops.