Expected to arrive Sunday or Monday, Hurricane Dorian is on a path to hit Florida after it went through Puerto Rico, causing minor damages, but is expected to pick up ferocity as it approaches the US coastline.
While the hurricane was classified as category 1 when it hit the islands surrounding the mainland, it may reach a category 3 status by the time it makes landfall. For reference, Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed much of New Orleans in 2005, was a category 5 hurricane. When Dorian hit Puerto Rico, it only caused minor flooding and power outages, something that may become more severe when it hits Florida.
In response to the approaching hurricane the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, declared a state of emergency for 26 counties in Florida, so that they can adequately prepare for the impending storm. DeSantis stressed the need for everyone to make sure they have enough supplies to weather the coming storm “Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster.”
News of the storm approaching Puerto Rico prompted some to seek out more food and supplies in preparation, so those on the mainland will be doing the same in coming days. According to the National Hurricane Center, Dorian was around 220 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, at 11 p.m. EDT on Thursday, as it headed northwest at 13 mph with winds reaching 85 mph.
