CURRENT SITUATION
The center of Tropical Storm Dorian is located 415 miles southeast of Ponce, Puerto Rico, moving west-northwest at 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds remain near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Dorian is expected to gradually strengthen or at least maintain intensity as it approaches Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. Dorian is likely to weaken Wednesday night and Thursday, depending on interaction with land. Conditions will be favorable for strengthening in the Bahamas on Thursday and Friday as the system tracks northwest towards the Florida Peninsula.
Impacts to the Florida Peninsula remain uncertain at this time however, on the current forecast track Dorian is expected to be a strong tropical storm (approximately 70 mph) at landfall. Timing of the arrival of tropical storm force winds is also uncertain but is forecasted to be as early as Saturday evening. Heavy rainfall of 4 to 6 is forecast across the Florida Peninsula.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
- Residents should review emergency plans and refresh emergency supply kits. For more information, visit http://www.HernandoCounty.us/EM
- Residents living in low lying, flood prone areas are urged to closely monitor and take precautions as needed to protect life and property. Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if necessary.
- Do not drive through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Mariners should note the potential for hazardous boating conditions in the Gulf of Mexico next week and monitor alerts from the National Weather Service.
- Monitor river gauges at http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=tbw
