Tropical storm Cristobal made its landfall in the United States today in southeast Louisiana.&nbsp;Strong winds and incessant rains are expected today, as per the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Sustaining winds of over 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph), the storm hit the coast of the state.

Winds were as strong as 64 mph in Mississippi’s one island, which is close to where the landfall is happening.

In view of the storm, US President Donald Trump recently promised aid for the state from the federal funds. He intends to sign an emergency declaration soon.

<h6><img alt="A relative carries belongings of the seven victims of a landslide caused by heavy rains amid tropical storm Cristobal in Santo Tomas, El Salvador, on June 05, 2020. Seven members of a family died in a landslide two days ago 10 km southeast of the Salvadoran capital." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="665fbc8b-ca09-402d-877a-75a38283fcfe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_15.jpg" /> 
A relative carries belongings of the seven victims of a landslide caused by heavy rains amid tropical storm Cristobal in Santo Tomas, El Salvador, on June 05, 2020. Seven members of a family died in a landslide two days ago 10 km southeast of the Salvadoran capital | AFP</h6>

According to NHC, the storm involves “a danger of life-threatening inundation” in the areas along Mississippi river, spanning 90 miles.

High winds and heavy rainfall are predicted as far as Florida Panhandle.

Starting Monday, the storm will begin to weaken as it moves towards Arkansas and Missouri.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-cristobal-advances-toward-us-gulf-coast-303927" hreflang="en">Tropical Storm Cristobal advances toward US Gulf Coast</a>

According to meteorologists and experts, this season is heavier than usual in terms of storms.

Cristobal is a byproduct of the Tropical Storm Amanda, which has taken over 26 lives in Central America, bringing devastation due to flooding, which has causes landslides across the region.

The Atlantic hurricane season, of which Cristobal is a part, is set to run from June 1 to November 30.&nbsp;This is the third such storm this year in the US.

Tropical storm Cristobal made its landfall in the United States today in southeast Louisiana. Strong winds and incessant rains are expected today, as per the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Tropical storm Cristobal made its landfall in the United States today in southeast Louisiana. Strong winds and incessant rains are expected today, as per the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). Sustaining winds of over 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph), the storm hit the coast of the state. Winds were as strong as 64 mph in Mississippi’s one island, which is close to where the landfall is happening. In view of the storm, US President Donald Trump recently promised aid for the state from the federal funds. He intends to sign an emergency declaration soon. A relative carries belongings of the seven victims of a landslide caused by heavy rains amid tropical storm Cristobal in Santo Tomas, El Salvador, on June 05, 2020. Seven members of a family died in a landslide two days ago 10 km southeast of the Salvadoran capital | AFP According to NHC, the storm involves “a danger of life-threatening inundation” in the areas along Mississippi river, spanning 90 miles. High winds and heavy rainfall are predicted as far as Florida Panhandle. Starting Monday, the storm will begin to weaken as it moves towards Arkansas and Missouri. Also read: Tropical Storm Cristobal advances toward US Gulf Coast According to meteorologists and experts, this season is heavier than usual in terms of storms. Cristobal is a byproduct of the Tropical Storm Amanda, which has taken over 26 lives in Central America, bringing devastation due to flooding, which has causes landslides across the region. The Atlantic hurricane season, of which Cristobal is a part, is set to run from June 1 to November 30. This is the third such storm this year in the US.

Storm Cristobal makes landfall in the US state of Louisiana

Hurricane&nbsp;Lorenzo&nbsp;has reached Portugal's Azores islands and is already causing strong winds and a few minor incidents across the mid-Atlantic archipelago, authorities said early on Wednesday.

"Right now the hurricane has already arrived in the Azores because we are already being affected by it," said Carlos Neves, the president of the Azores' civil protection authority.

Speaking to reporters, Neves said the hurricane is southwest of the island of Flores and it will affect the remaining western islands at around 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

The hurricane, packing&nbsp;155-kph&nbsp;winds, is likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, with only a slow weakening forecast over the next 48 hours, US&nbsp;forecaster the National Hurricane Center said.

Neves said five minor incidents, such as fallen trees, have been reported so far.

Despite weakening from a Saturday peak,&nbsp;Lorenzo&nbsp;is still a strong Category 2 hurricane but will downgrade to a Category 1 as it continues to follow its path, Portugal's meteorological agency IPMA has said.

Schools and non-emergency public services will be closed on Wednesday, the regional government has said, with ports on some islands also shut.

Authorities closed numerous streets and roads in the Azores as a precautionary measure.

Five minor incidents, including fallen trees, had been reported, while more than 300 firefighters had been put on alert.

"The situation will worsen in the next few hours," Vasco Cordeiro, the president of the regional government, told Portuguese TV channel SIC, as winds strengthened in Flores, which IPMA expects will be the worst hit. The island has about 4,000 inhabitants.

Hurricane Lorenzo has reached Portugal's Azores islands and is already causing strong winds and a few minor incidents across the mid-Atlantic archipelago, authorities said early on Wednesday.

Hurricane Lorenzo has reached Portugal's Azores islands and is already causing strong winds and a few minor incidents across the mid-Atlantic archipelago, authorities said early on Wednesday. "Right now the hurricane has already arrived in the Azores because we are already being affected by it," said Carlos Neves, the president of the Azores' civil protection authority. Speaking to reporters, Neves said the hurricane is southwest of the island of Flores and it will affect the remaining western islands at around 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The hurricane, packing 155-kph winds, is likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, with only a slow weakening forecast over the next 48 hours, US forecaster the National Hurricane Center said. Neves said five minor incidents, such as fallen trees, have been reported so far. Despite weakening from a Saturday peak, Lorenzo is still a strong Category 2 hurricane but will downgrade to a Category 1 as it continues to follow its path, Portugal's meteorological agency IPMA has said. Schools and non-emergency public services will be closed on Wednesday, the regional government has said, with ports on some islands also shut. Authorities closed numerous streets and roads in the Azores as a precautionary measure. Five minor incidents, including fallen trees, had been reported, while more than 300 firefighters had been put on alert. "The situation will worsen in the next few hours," Vasco Cordeiro, the president of the regional government, told Portuguese TV channel SIC, as winds strengthened in Flores, which IPMA expects will be the worst hit. The island has about 4,000 inhabitants.

Emergency services prepare for hurricane Lorenzo in Portugal

Hurricane Lorena weakened to a tropical storm as it approached northwestern Mexico on Saturday, bringing with it heavy wind and rain, US forecasters said.

On Saturday afternoon, Lorena had maximum sustained winds of 50 miles (80 km) per hour as it moved north, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in a report.

Currently crossing Baja California peninsula, the storm is expected to reach mainland Mexico early Sunday, at which point it will likely weaken swiftly, the NHC said.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of mainland Mexico's northwestern coast, the NHC said.

The storm doused the Baja California peninsula with strong wind and rain after touching down early Saturday morning, though there were no reports of victims or damages. Despite warnings, the storm skirted the ritzy resorts of Los Cabos.

The storm is expected to dump three to six inches (7 to 15 cm) of rain on the western state of Sonora over the weekend, creating a risk of flash floods, the NHC said.

Hurricane Lorena weakened to a tropical storm as it approached northwestern Mexico on Saturday, bringing with it heavy wind and rain, US forecasters said. On Saturday afternoon, Lorena had maximum sustained winds of 50 miles (80 km) per hour as it moved north, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in a report.

Hurricane Lorena weakened to a tropical storm as it approached northwestern Mexico on Saturday, bringing with it heavy wind and rain, US forecasters said. On Saturday afternoon, Lorena had maximum sustained winds of 50 miles (80 km) per hour as it moved north, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in a report. Currently crossing Baja California peninsula, the storm is expected to reach mainland Mexico early Sunday, at which point it will likely weaken swiftly, the NHC said. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of mainland Mexico's northwestern coast, the NHC said. The storm doused the Baja California peninsula with strong wind and rain after touching down early Saturday morning, though there were no reports of victims or damages. Despite warnings, the storm skirted the ritzy resorts of Los Cabos. The storm is expected to dump three to six inches (7 to 15 cm) of rain on the western state of Sonora over the weekend, creating a risk of flash floods, the NHC said.

Hurricane Lorena weakens to a tropical storm as it nears mainland Mexico

Hurricane Humberto knocked out power lines in Bermuda on Wednesday night, plunging nearly the whole Atlantic archipelago into darkness, as the storm whipped the British territory with powerful winds and heavy rain.

Even as Hurricane Humberto was moving away, Miami-based US&nbsp;National Hurricane Center forecast a prolonged period of dangerous winds through Thursday and warned that dangerous breaking waves could lead to coastal flooding overnight.

More than 28,000 homes and businesses had lost electricity by early evening, according to electricity company Belco.

Flights were cancelled and some residents in the capital, Hamilton, covered windows with wooden planks and metal sheeting.

Belco said it would begin restoring power on Thursday morning.

Bermudan officials warned residents to stay off roads and prepare for possible tornadoes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-1-million-told-to-evacuate-homes-as-hurricane-florence-bears-down-on-us-east-coast-164990">hurricane</a> picked up forward speed and weather conditions worsened.

The officials also reported that people who had sought refuge in an emergency housing shelter at a public high school had to be relocated after windows were damaged.

James Dodgson, director of the Bermuda Weather Service, said conditions were already worsening.

"I can't even rule out some isolated tornadoes. We have a very serious situation as we have a very big hurricane moving by to our north," he told a news conference.

On Wednesday, the storm's eye was located to the west of the archipelago, which lies about 650 miles (1,050 km) east of the United States.

The storm packed 120 mile-per-hour (193 kph) winds and picked up speed during the afternoon, moving at 20 mph (31 kph). Humberto was a Category 3 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, the NHC said.

Bermuda National Disaster Coordinator Steve Cosham warned that the storm could topple trees and rip down power lines, while tornadoes could damage buildings.

Resident Saivo Goater placed boards across the sliding glass doors of his two-story dwelling, remembering back-to-back hurricanes in 2014 that ripped off parts of his roof.

"I don't want to go through that again," Goater said. "It's better to be safe than sorry."

Officials ended government ferry services and were closing a major road leading to the airport on Wednesday evening. They also opened a shelter at a high school with room for 100 people.

Schools were closed and ambulances on standby, a witness said.

The Atlantic storm season has picked up pace in recent weeks.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-storm-hits-hurricane-ravaged-bahamas-could-become-tropical-storm-249408">Bahamas</a> is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, and the remnants of Tropical Depression Imelda have moved inland across the Gulf Coast of Texas and southeastern Louisiana as it weakened, bringing warnings of flash floods and heavy rains.

Hurricane Humberto knocked out power lines in Bermuda on Wednesday night, plunging nearly the whole Atlantic archipelago into darkness, as the storm whipped the British territory with powerful winds and heavy rain.

Hurricane Humberto knocked out power lines in Bermuda on Wednesday night, plunging nearly the whole Atlantic archipelago into darkness, as the storm whipped the British territory with powerful winds and heavy rain. Even as Hurricane Humberto was moving away, Miami-based US National Hurricane Center forecast a prolonged period of dangerous winds through Thursday and warned that dangerous breaking waves could lead to coastal flooding overnight. More than 28,000 homes and businesses had lost electricity by early evening, according to electricity company Belco. Flights were cancelled and some residents in the capital, Hamilton, covered windows with wooden planks and metal sheeting. Belco said it would begin restoring power on Thursday morning. Bermudan officials warned residents to stay off roads and prepare for possible tornadoes as the hurricane picked up forward speed and weather conditions worsened. The officials also reported that people who had sought refuge in an emergency housing shelter at a public high school had to be relocated after windows were damaged. James Dodgson, director of the Bermuda Weather Service, said conditions were already worsening. "I can't even rule out some isolated tornadoes. We have a very serious situation as we have a very big hurricane moving by to our north," he told a news conference. On Wednesday, the storm's eye was located to the west of the archipelago, which lies about 650 miles (1,050 km) east of the United States. The storm packed 120 mile-per-hour (193 kph) winds and picked up speed during the afternoon, moving at 20 mph (31 kph). Humberto was a Category 3 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, the NHC said. Bermuda National Disaster Coordinator Steve Cosham warned that the storm could topple trees and rip down power lines, while tornadoes could damage buildings. Resident Saivo Goater placed boards across the sliding glass doors of his two-story dwelling, remembering back-to-back hurricanes in 2014 that ripped off parts of his roof. "I don't want to go through that again," Goater said. "It's better to be safe than sorry." Officials ended government ferry services and were closing a major road leading to the airport on Wednesday evening. They also opened a shelter at a high school with room for 100 people. Schools were closed and ambulances on standby, a witness said. The Atlantic storm season has picked up pace in recent weeks. The Bahamas is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, and the remnants of Tropical Depression Imelda have moved inland across the Gulf Coast of Texas and southeastern Louisiana as it weakened, bringing warnings of flash floods and heavy rains.

Large parts of Bermuda plunged into darkness as Hurricane Humberto whips island

Bermudan officials warned residents to stay off roads and prepare for possible tornadoes on Wednesday (September 18) as Hurricane Humberto strengthened in approaching the Atlantic archipelago, prompting people to board up homes and businesses.

WION Playlist: Hurricane Humberto plunges Bermuda into darkness

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-cyclone-bears-down-on-bahamas-un-pledges-aid-249554">Dorian </a>should be a wake-up call for the world about the dangers of climate change.

"I was horrified. I've never seen such a level of systematic devastation," Guterres told reporters visibly shaken on after taking an aerial tour of Abaco, which bore the brunt of Dorian's impact. "Hurricane Dorian has been classified as Category 5, I think it is Category Hell, but he was not powered by the devil. It was powered, and we have always had many hurricanes but now they are more intense and they are more frequent, and they are powered by climate change."

Guterres arrived in Nassau on Friday&nbsp;in a show of international support.

He said the international community must rally to support countries like the Bahamas, which did not contribute to climate change "but are the first line of the devastating impact."

Watch: New storm threatens Hurricane Dorian relief efforts

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said Dorian should be a wake-up call for the world about the dangers of climate change. "I was horrified. I've never seen such a level of systematic devastation," Guterres told reporters visibly shaken on after taking an aerial tour of Abaco, which bore the brunt of Dorian's impact.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said Dorian should be a wake-up call for the world about the dangers of climate change. "I was horrified. I've never seen such a level of systematic devastation," Guterres told reporters visibly shaken on after taking an aerial tour of Abaco, which bore the brunt of Dorian's impact. "Hurricane Dorian has been classified as Category 5, I think it is Category Hell, but he was not powered by the devil. It was powered, and we have always had many hurricanes but now they are more intense and they are more frequent, and they are powered by climate change." Guterres arrived in Nassau on Friday in a show of international support. He said the international community must rally to support countries like the Bahamas, which did not contribute to climate change "but are the first line of the devastating impact." Watch: New storm threatens Hurricane Dorian relief efforts ×

Hurricane Dorian was not Category 5, but 'Category Hell': UN chief

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-skirts-us-carolinas-coast-with-high-winds-and-rain-248039">Hurricane Dorian</a> recovery efforts as the UN&nbsp;secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support.

The new weather system, known as Tropical Cyclone Nine, could strengthen into a tropical storm later on Friday, dropping up to 6 inches of rain through the weekend in areas of the islands inundated by Dorian, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-hurricane-dorian-approaches-quick-look-at-floridas-deadliest-and-destructive-hurricanes-246886#hurricane-dorian-246870">Hurricane Dorian</a> slammed into the Bahamas on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slow-moving-hurricane-dorian-pounds-bahamas-menaces-us-coast-247204">September 1</a> as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 km per hour).

"The financial cost of the damage caused by Dorian is not clear, but it will be in the billions of dollars. The Bahamas cannot be expected to foot this bill alone," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1300-still-missing-in-hurricane-hit-bahamas-officials-249303">UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres</a> said on his arrival in Nassau.

Guterres was expected to visit over the weekend with people affected by the hurricane and the humanitarian teams assisting them. He plans to continue talks with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis in Nassau.

Minnis said earlier this week that the official death toll stood at 50 but was expected to rise.

Tropical Cyclone Nine was not expected to bring anywhere near the devastation of Dorian, even if it strengthens into a depression or storm.

But the potentially heavy rain and winds, which could reach 30 mph (48 km), could hamper relief efforts in the northern Bahamas, where the powerful and slow-moving Dorian flattened thousands of structures and left 70,000 people needing shelter, food and water and medical assistance.

The storm could delay the movement of food and water already on the ground, said Carl Smith, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency during a news conference.

By late afternoon on Friday, the tropical disturbance was 240 miles (385 km) east-southeast of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, travelling northwest at 8 miles per hour, the NHC said.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for most of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Great Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Those islands were ravaged when Dorian ripped through the archipelago as a Category 5 storm.

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts as the UN secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support.

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts as the UN secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support. The new weather system, known as Tropical Cyclone Nine, could strengthen into a tropical storm later on Friday, dropping up to 6 inches of rain through the weekend in areas of the islands inundated by Dorian, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September 1 as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 km per hour). "The financial cost of the damage caused by Dorian is not clear, but it will be in the billions of dollars. The Bahamas cannot be expected to foot this bill alone," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on his arrival in Nassau. Guterres was expected to visit over the weekend with people affected by the hurricane and the humanitarian teams assisting them. He plans to continue talks with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis in Nassau. Minnis said earlier this week that the official death toll stood at 50 but was expected to rise. Tropical Cyclone Nine was not expected to bring anywhere near the devastation of Dorian, even if it strengthens into a depression or storm. But the potentially heavy rain and winds, which could reach 30 mph (48 km), could hamper relief efforts in the northern Bahamas, where the powerful and slow-moving Dorian flattened thousands of structures and left 70,000 people needing shelter, food and water and medical assistance. The storm could delay the movement of food and water already on the ground, said Carl Smith, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency during a news conference. By late afternoon on Friday, the tropical disturbance was 240 miles (385 km) east-southeast of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, travelling northwest at 8 miles per hour, the NHC said. A tropical storm warning was in effect for most of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Great Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Those islands were ravaged when Dorian ripped through the archipelago as a Category 5 storm.

Tropical cyclone bears down on Bahamas, UN pledges aid

Hurricane Dorianhit the Bahamas on 1 September as a Category-5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 298 km/h (185 mph).

New storm threatens Hurricane Dorian relief efforts

A tropical storm warning was issued on Friday for the northern Bahamas, where thousands of residents are struggling to get back on track after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-storm-hits-hurricane-ravaged-bahamas-could-become-tropical-storm-249408">Hurricane Dorian left them homeless</a>.

Bahamian meteorologists said the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, which were the worst-hit by Dorian, were in the path of the approaching weather system.

Winds of up to 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour were expected and heavy rainfall could bring some flooding to the already saturated islands, said Trevor Basden, director of the Department of Meteorology.

Carl Smith, a spokesman for the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency, said the storm could have an impact on relief and recovery efforts on Grand Bahama and Abaco.

"The weather system will slow down logistics," Smith told a press conference in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. "Fuel and water remain the biggest needs in Abaco."

Herve Verhoosel, a spokesman for the UN World Food Program, said flights to Marsh Harbour, the largest town on Abaco, were being suspended because of the storm.

Smith said residents of Abaco should seek shelter.

The NEMA spokesman also said 1,300 people remain unaccounted for following Hurricane Dorian -- the same number he gave on Thursday.

He said 71 people were staying in shelters on Grand Bahama island and 2,037 in shelters in New Providence, where Nassau is located.

"We're no longer receiving large numbers of evacuees from Abaco and Grand Bahama," Smith said.

He said the authorities were reopening Grand Bahama international airport in Freeport to limited commercial traffic.

The Bahamian authorities have put the death toll from Dorian, a devastating Category 5 storm, at 50 so far.

But they have said they expect that number to rise significantly and a former prime minister, Hubert Ingraham, said this week he feared the final toll could be in the hundreds.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was to visit the Bahamas on Friday to express his "deep solidarity" with the Atlantic archipelago.

Guterres said Thursday that he wanted to encourage the international community to "increase the support to the Bahamas people and to the Bahamas government."

He also said Hurricane Dorian was a warning of the dangers of climate change.

"All this is a demonstration of what we have all been saying in the recent past," he said. "Climate change is running faster than we are and we need to have a much more ambitious approach in what we do in order to defeat climate change."

A tropical storm warning was issued on Friday for the northern Bahamas, where thousands of residents are struggling to get back on track after Hurricane Dorian left them homeless.

A tropical storm warning was issued on Friday for the northern Bahamas, where thousands of residents are struggling to get back on track after Hurricane Dorian left them homeless. Bahamian meteorologists said the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, which were the worst-hit by Dorian, were in the path of the approaching weather system. Winds of up to 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour were expected and heavy rainfall could bring some flooding to the already saturated islands, said Trevor Basden, director of the Department of Meteorology. Carl Smith, a spokesman for the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency, said the storm could have an impact on relief and recovery efforts on Grand Bahama and Abaco. "The weather system will slow down logistics," Smith told a press conference in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. "Fuel and water remain the biggest needs in Abaco." Herve Verhoosel, a spokesman for the UN World Food Program, said flights to Marsh Harbour, the largest town on Abaco, were being suspended because of the storm. Smith said residents of Abaco should seek shelter. The NEMA spokesman also said 1,300 people remain unaccounted for following Hurricane Dorian -- the same number he gave on Thursday. He said 71 people were staying in shelters on Grand Bahama island and 2,037 in shelters in New Providence, where Nassau is located. "We're no longer receiving large numbers of evacuees from Abaco and Grand Bahama," Smith said. He said the authorities were reopening Grand Bahama international airport in Freeport to limited commercial traffic. The Bahamian authorities have put the death toll from Dorian, a devastating Category 5 storm, at 50 so far. But they have said they expect that number to rise significantly and a former prime minister, Hubert Ingraham, said this week he feared the final toll could be in the hundreds. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was to visit the Bahamas on Friday to express his "deep solidarity" with the Atlantic archipelago. Guterres said Thursday that he wanted to encourage the international community to "increase the support to the Bahamas people and to the Bahamas government." He also said Hurricane Dorian was a warning of the dangers of climate change. "All this is a demonstration of what we have all been saying in the recent past," he said. "Climate change is running faster than we are and we need to have a much more ambitious approach in what we do in order to defeat climate change."

Tropical storm warning issued for hurricane-hit Bahamas

Some 1,300 people are still unaccounted for in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, officials said Thursday, down from the 2,500 previously reported.

The Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributed the drop to cross-referencing names of missing persons with those in shelters.

"It's very fluid," NEMA spokesman Carl Smith told reporters at a press conference in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. &nbsp;

The Bahamian authorities have put the death toll from the devastating Category 5 storm at 50 so far.

But they have said they expect that number to rise significantly and a former prime minister said he feared the final toll could be in the hundreds.

"Based upon information I have, based on my knowledge, there are hundreds of people who died," the Nassau Guardian newspaper quoted former premier Hubert Ingraham as saying on Wednesday.

"I pay no attention to 50," Ingraham said after touring hurricane-ravaged Abaco Island.

"Hundreds of people have died in Abaco, and significant numbers in Grand Bahama," the other island severely damaged by the storm, he said.

"And I don't make wild statements," he said. "I don't make uninformed statements."

Bahamian police commissioner Anthony Ferguson was asked at the press conference about the search for victims of the storm.

"It's a slow process," Ferguson said. "We have to go through all of that rubble, take our time and search.

"It's going to take a long time before you can really say (final) numbers," he said.

Search operations could be impacted by approaching weather.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in its 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) bulletin that a weather system in the Atlantic was expected to become a tropical storm and bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the northwest Bahamas in the next 36 hours. &nbsp;

Smith, the NEMA spokesman, said 150 people were currently in shelters on the island of Grand Bahama and 2,000 on New Providence, where Nassau is located.

"We are no longer receiving a lot of displaced persons from Abaco," he added.

The NEMA spokesman also said the authorities were suspending deportations of illegal immigrants who were affected by the storm. The Bahamas has a large community of Haitians and some who are in the archipelago illegally have expressed fears of being sent home.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced meanwhile that he would go to the Bahamas on Friday to express his "deep solidarity" with the Atlantic archipelago.

Besides solidarity, Guterres said he wanted to encourage the international community to "increase the support to the Bahamas people and to the Bahamas government."

Guterres also said the hurricane is a warning of the dangers of climate change.

"All this is a demonstration of what we have all been saying in the recent past," he said. "Climate change is running faster than we are and we need to have a much more ambitious approach in what we do in order to defeat climate change."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Some 1,300 people are still unaccounted for in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, officials said Thursday, down from the 2,500 previously reported. The Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributed the drop to cross-referencing names of missing persons with those in shelters.

Some 1,300 people are still unaccounted for in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, officials said Thursday, down from the 2,500 previously reported. The Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributed the drop to cross-referencing names of missing persons with those in shelters. "It's very fluid," NEMA spokesman Carl Smith told reporters at a press conference in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. The Bahamian authorities have put the death toll from the devastating Category 5 storm at 50 so far. But they have said they expect that number to rise significantly and a former prime minister said he feared the final toll could be in the hundreds. "Based upon information I have, based on my knowledge, there are hundreds of people who died," the Nassau Guardian newspaper quoted former premier Hubert Ingraham as saying on Wednesday. "I pay no attention to 50," Ingraham said after touring hurricane-ravaged Abaco Island. "Hundreds of people have died in Abaco, and significant numbers in Grand Bahama," the other island severely damaged by the storm, he said. "And I don't make wild statements," he said. "I don't make uninformed statements." Bahamian police commissioner Anthony Ferguson was asked at the press conference about the search for victims of the storm. "It's a slow process," Ferguson said. "We have to go through all of that rubble, take our time and search. "It's going to take a long time before you can really say (final) numbers," he said. Search operations could be impacted by approaching weather. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in its 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) bulletin that a weather system in the Atlantic was expected to become a tropical storm and bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the northwest Bahamas in the next 36 hours. Smith, the NEMA spokesman, said 150 people were currently in shelters on the island of Grand Bahama and 2,000 on New Providence, where Nassau is located. "We are no longer receiving a lot of displaced persons from Abaco," he added. The NEMA spokesman also said the authorities were suspending deportations of illegal immigrants who were affected by the storm. The Bahamas has a large community of Haitians and some who are in the archipelago illegally have expressed fears of being sent home. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced meanwhile that he would go to the Bahamas on Friday to express his "deep solidarity" with the Atlantic archipelago. Besides solidarity, Guterres said he wanted to encourage the international community to "increase the support to the Bahamas people and to the Bahamas government." Guterres also said the hurricane is a warning of the dangers of climate change. "All this is a demonstration of what we have all been saying in the recent past," he said. "Climate change is running faster than we are and we need to have a much more ambitious approach in what we do in order to defeat climate change."

1,300 still missing in hurricane-hit Bahamas: Officials

A new storm brought rain and wind to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1300-still-missing-in-hurricane-hit-bahamas-officials-249303">hurricane-ravaged Bahamas</a> early Friday, with the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) warning it could turn into a tropical storm.

Early Friday, it was a tropical disturbance over the central Bahamas, packing winds of 30 mph&nbsp;and was expected to drop two to four inches of rain through Sunday, the NHC said.

There is an 80 per cent chance that it will turn into a stronger tropical depression or even a tropical storm named Humberto in the next day or so as it crawls at 6 mph (9 kph) across the Bahamas and takes aim at Florida, the NHC said.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for northwestern Bahamas, including the hurricane-hit Abacos and Grand Bahama, the NHC said.

The storm is expected to pick up speed as it moves northwest on Friday and could hit Florida on Saturday, it said.

A tropical storm watch was issued for portions of the coast of east-central Florida late Thursday and South Florida could see tropical-storm-force winds as early as Friday evening, the NHC said.

Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September&nbsp;1 as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour.

The tropical cyclone was not expected to bring anywhere near that level of devastation.

Watch:&nbsp;"Thousands are missing"- Resident of the Bahamas

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With 1,300 people still missing, according to the Bahamian government, relief services are focused on search and rescue as well as providing food, water and shelter.

Aid groups rushed shelter material to residents living in the shells of former homes.

"We're seeing plastic tarps go out all over the islands, and that's extremely important because now you've got another tropical storm coming," said Ken Isaacs, vice president of programs for US&nbsp;relief organization Samaritan's Purse.

The prime minister of the Bahamas, Hubert Minnis, on Wednesday said the official death toll stood at 50 but that it was expected to rise.

Minnis said there were problems coordinating aid due to the level of devastation and he was trying to remove "bureaucratic roadblocks."

Former prime minister Hubert Ingraham said he believed "hundreds" were dead on Abaco "and significant numbers on Grand Bahama," the Nassau Guardian newspaper reported on Thursday.

Officials have erected large tents in Nassau to house those made homeless by Dorian and plan to erect tent cities on Abaco to shelter up to 4,000 people.

A new storm brought rain and wind to the hurricane-ravaged Bahamas early Friday, with the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) warning it could turn into a tropical storm.

A new storm brought rain and wind to the hurricane-ravaged Bahamas early Friday, with the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) warning it could turn into a tropical storm. Early Friday, it was a tropical disturbance over the central Bahamas, packing winds of 30 mph and was expected to drop two to four inches of rain through Sunday, the NHC said. There is an 80 per cent chance that it will turn into a stronger tropical depression or even a tropical storm named Humberto in the next day or so as it crawls at 6 mph (9 kph) across the Bahamas and takes aim at Florida, the NHC said. A tropical storm warning was in effect for northwestern Bahamas, including the hurricane-hit Abacos and Grand Bahama, the NHC said. The storm is expected to pick up speed as it moves northwest on Friday and could hit Florida on Saturday, it said. A tropical storm watch was issued for portions of the coast of east-central Florida late Thursday and South Florida could see tropical-storm-force winds as early as Friday evening, the NHC said. Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September 1 as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour. The tropical cyclone was not expected to bring anywhere near that level of devastation. Watch: "Thousands are missing"- Resident of the Bahamas With 1,300 people still missing, according to the Bahamian government, relief services are focused on search and rescue as well as providing food, water and shelter. Aid groups rushed shelter material to residents living in the shells of former homes. "We're seeing plastic tarps go out all over the islands, and that's extremely important because now you've got another tropical storm coming," said Ken Isaacs, vice president of programs for US relief organization Samaritan's Purse. The prime minister of the Bahamas, Hubert Minnis, on Wednesday said the official death toll stood at 50 but that it was expected to rise. Minnis said there were problems coordinating aid due to the level of devastation and he was trying to remove "bureaucratic roadblocks." Former prime minister Hubert Ingraham said he believed "hundreds" were dead on Abaco "and significant numbers on Grand Bahama," the Nassau Guardian newspaper reported on Thursday. Officials have erected large tents in Nassau to house those made homeless by Dorian and plan to erect tent cities on Abaco to shelter up to 4,000 people.

New storm hits hurricane-ravaged Bahamas, could become tropical storm

Some 2,500 people are still listed as missing in the Bahamas more than a week after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the Caribbean island chain, although that number may include evacuees who fled to shelters, authorities said on Wednesday.

Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told the nation in a televised address that the death toll from Dorian remained at 50, but conceded that the large number of people missing meant that number would rise.

"The number of deaths is expected to significantly increase," Minnis said, adding the government was being transparent and would provide "timely information on the loss of life as it is available."

Emergency management officials told a separate news conference that the list of missing had not yet been checked against records of evacuees or the thousands of people staying in shelters.

"My friends are missing, a few of my cousins are missing over there, five in total, they lived in Marsh Harbour," said Clara Bain, a 38-year-old tour guide, referring to the Abaco town where officials estimate that 90% of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed.

"Everyone on the islands are missing someone, it`s really devastating," she said.

Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September&nbsp;1 as a Category 5 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of intensity, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to make a direct hit on land and packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 kph).

"Our sympathies go out to the families of each person who died," Minnis said. "Let us pray for them during this time of grief. We offer you our shoulders to cry on. You will never be forgotten."

More than 5,000 people evacuated to New Providence, the island where the capital, Nassau, is located, in the face of the worst hurricane in the country`s history. But there has since been a significant reduction in the number now asking to be relocated, according to emergency management officials.

Some 15,000 people are still in need of shelter or food, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

Officials have already put up large tents in Nassau to house those made homeless by the storm and plan to erect tent cities on Abaco capable of sheltering up to 4,000 people.

Minnis thanked US President Donald Trump and the American people for mobilizing support and urged Bahamians to pitch in with relief efforts by volunteering or donating money to legitimate charities.

The White House said on Wednesday the United States would not give temporary protected immigration status to people fleeing the Bahamas after the hurricane.

The status would have allowed Bahamians to live and work in the United States while their country recovers.

Private forecasters estimated that Dorian destroyed or damaged some $3 billion in insured property in the Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Commercial flights to Abaco, one of the hardest-hit areas, resumed on a limited basis on Wednesday.

Some 2,500 people are still listed as missing in the Bahamas more than a week after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the Caribbean island chain, although that number may include evacuees who fled to shelters, authorities said on Wednesday.

Some 2,500 people are still listed as missing in the Bahamas more than a week after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the Caribbean island chain, although that number may include evacuees who fled to shelters, authorities said on Wednesday. Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told the nation in a televised address that the death toll from Dorian remained at 50, but conceded that the large number of people missing meant that number would rise. "The number of deaths is expected to significantly increase," Minnis said, adding the government was being transparent and would provide "timely information on the loss of life as it is available." Emergency management officials told a separate news conference that the list of missing had not yet been checked against records of evacuees or the thousands of people staying in shelters. "My friends are missing, a few of my cousins are missing over there, five in total, they lived in Marsh Harbour," said Clara Bain, a 38-year-old tour guide, referring to the Abaco town where officials estimate that 90% of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed. "Everyone on the islands are missing someone, it`s really devastating," she said. Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September 1 as a Category 5 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of intensity, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to make a direct hit on land and packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 kph). "Our sympathies go out to the families of each person who died," Minnis said. "Let us pray for them during this time of grief. We offer you our shoulders to cry on. You will never be forgotten." More than 5,000 people evacuated to New Providence, the island where the capital, Nassau, is located, in the face of the worst hurricane in the country`s history. But there has since been a significant reduction in the number now asking to be relocated, according to emergency management officials. Some 15,000 people are still in need of shelter or food, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. Officials have already put up large tents in Nassau to house those made homeless by the storm and plan to erect tent cities on Abaco capable of sheltering up to 4,000 people. Minnis thanked US President Donald Trump and the American people for mobilizing support and urged Bahamians to pitch in with relief efforts by volunteering or donating money to legitimate charities. The White House said on Wednesday the United States would not give temporary protected immigration status to people fleeing the Bahamas after the hurricane. The status would have allowed Bahamians to live and work in the United States while their country recovers. Private forecasters estimated that Dorian destroyed or damaged some $3 billion in insured property in the Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Commercial flights to Abaco, one of the hardest-hit areas, resumed on a limited basis on Wednesday.

Bahamas says 2,500 missing after Dorian; Prime Minister warns death toll to rise 'significantly'

Typhoon Lingling created havoc in South Korea. Watch this report to know more.

Typhoon Lingling creates havoc in South Korea

Bahamians who lost everything in the devastating passage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-dorian-dorian-weakens-as-it-heads-east-florida-248306">Hurricane Dorian </a>were scrambling Saturday to escape the worst-hit islands by sea or by air, after the historically powerful storm left at least 43 people dead with officials fearing a "significantly" higher toll.

A loosely coordinated armada of passenger planes, helicopters and both private and government boats and ships -- including redirected cruise liners -- was converging on the horribly battered Abaco Islands, the epicenter of the vast storm's destruction, to help with the evacuation.

In Freeport, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-try-to-flee-hurricane-devastated-bahamas-islands-248148">thousands of people</a>, many still disoriented by the week's events, were lining up at the port in hopes of boarding a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship offering free passage to Florida.

More than 260 Abacos residents arrived Friday in largely spared Nassau on a government-chartered ferry, with a second en route.

Residents described brutal conditions facing those still on the islands. They said the smell of yet-to-be recovered bodies, along with rapidly mounting piles of garbage, was oppressive and unsanitary.

Hundreds or even thousands of people were still missing, officials said, and rescuers continued picking through jumbled mountains of debris in search of survivors. Morticians with body bags and refrigeration units were beginning to arrive.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the death toll -- 35 so far in the Abacos and eight in Grand Bahama -- was likely to climb "significantly."

In a statement Friday evening, he called the loss of life "catastrophic and devastating."

The final death toll "will be staggering," Health Minister Duane Sands said earlier.

UN relief officials said more than 70,000 people -- virtually the entire population of Grand Bahama and Abaco -- were in need of assistance after the storm reduced homes and businesses to matchsticks.

The US Coast Guard, Britain's Royal Navy and private organizations have been helping evacuate island residents to Nassau, but relief efforts have been severely hampered by damaged airport runways, piers and docks.

'It's not right'

Chamika Durosier was waiting early Saturday at the Abaco airport. The island, she said, was unsafe.

"The home that we were in fell on us," she said. "We had to crawl -- got out crawling. By the grace of God we are alive."

She described the increasingly desperate plight of those left behind.&nbsp;

"It's been almost a week and people are still here. People have no food. People have no water, and it's not right. They should have been gone.

"Dead bodies are still around and it's not sanitary."

Those who have made it to safety awaited news of loved ones.

Diane Forbes, newly arrived at a gymnasium serving as a shelter in Nassau, was desperately searching for her two sons among some 200 evacuees. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, when last she heard from them, her sons told her that "they were hungry, and the scent of the bodies, the dead, was really getting to them."&nbsp;

Dorian, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane when it raked through the Bahamas last weekend, was buffeting southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, on Saturday with tropical storm-force winds, the National Hurricane Center said at 11:00 am (1500 GMT).&nbsp;

The Canadian Hurricane Centre predicted a landfall near Halifax later in the day and issued hurricane warnings for parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.&nbsp;

Earlier, Dorian brought flooding and widespread power outages but no major damage to the coastal Carolinas and Virginia.&nbsp;

In the Bahamas, the scene was very different.

With thousands of people left homeless, many were growing frustrated at the slow speed of relief and evacuation efforts.

"There's no gas station, no food stores, my job is gone," said Melanie Lowe of Marsh Harbour, whose house was partially destroyed. She survived the storm packed in a two-bedroom apartment with 16 other people.

First steps to rebuild

As survivors began the first steps of rebuilding, arrangements were being made to care for the dead and account for the missing.

Mortuary workers in white hazmat suits, blue gloves and masks could be seen in Marsh Harbour carrying corpses in green body bags and loading them onto flatbed trucks.

President Donald Trump offered US support, adding in a video statement on Twitter, that "any cruise ship companies willing to act as stationary housing, etc., I am sure would be appreciated!"&nbsp;

The cruise ship Celebrity Equinox rerouted a planned trip with passengers on board to bring 10,000 sandwiches to the Bahamas, NBC said.

Royal Caribbean said its fleet would deliver thousands of meals and supplies, Fox's Tampa Bay affiliate reported.

At the Abaco airport on Saturday, Tanya McDermott was waiting with her husband and young son for a plane to Nassau. Their home was badly damaged.

With the injured given priority on outbound flights, the McDermotts waited.

"We are going to wait around all day if we have to," Tanya McDermott said.

"We are going to hope for the best."

Bahamians who lost everything in the devastating passage of Hurricane Dorian were scrambling Saturday to escape the worst-hit islands by sea or by air, after the historically powerful storm left at least 43 people dead with officials fearing a "significantly" higher toll.

Bahamians who lost everything in the devastating passage of Hurricane Dorian were scrambling Saturday to escape the worst-hit islands by sea or by air, after the historically powerful storm left at least 43 people dead with officials fearing a "significantly" higher toll. A loosely coordinated armada of passenger planes, helicopters and both private and government boats and ships -- including redirected cruise liners -- was converging on the horribly battered Abaco Islands, the epicenter of the vast storm's destruction, to help with the evacuation. In Freeport, thousands of people, many still disoriented by the week's events, were lining up at the port in hopes of boarding a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ship offering free passage to Florida. More than 260 Abacos residents arrived Friday in largely spared Nassau on a government-chartered ferry, with a second en route. Residents described brutal conditions facing those still on the islands. They said the smell of yet-to-be recovered bodies, along with rapidly mounting piles of garbage, was oppressive and unsanitary. Hundreds or even thousands of people were still missing, officials said, and rescuers continued picking through jumbled mountains of debris in search of survivors. Morticians with body bags and refrigeration units were beginning to arrive. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the death toll -- 35 so far in the Abacos and eight in Grand Bahama -- was likely to climb "significantly." In a statement Friday evening, he called the loss of life "catastrophic and devastating." The final death toll "will be staggering," Health Minister Duane Sands said earlier. UN relief officials said more than 70,000 people -- virtually the entire population of Grand Bahama and Abaco -- were in need of assistance after the storm reduced homes and businesses to matchsticks. The US Coast Guard, Britain's Royal Navy and private organizations have been helping evacuate island residents to Nassau, but relief efforts have been severely hampered by damaged airport runways, piers and docks. 'It's not right' Chamika Durosier was waiting early Saturday at the Abaco airport. The island, she said, was unsafe. "The home that we were in fell on us," she said. "We had to crawl -- got out crawling. By the grace of God we are alive." She described the increasingly desperate plight of those left behind. "It's been almost a week and people are still here. People have no food. People have no water, and it's not right. They should have been gone. "Dead bodies are still around and it's not sanitary." Those who have made it to safety awaited news of loved ones. Diane Forbes, newly arrived at a gymnasium serving as a shelter in Nassau, was desperately searching for her two sons among some 200 evacuees. On Tuesday, when last she heard from them, her sons told her that "they were hungry, and the scent of the bodies, the dead, was really getting to them." Dorian, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane when it raked through the Bahamas last weekend, was buffeting southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, on Saturday with tropical storm-force winds, the National Hurricane Center said at 11:00 am (1500 GMT). The Canadian Hurricane Centre predicted a landfall near Halifax later in the day and issued hurricane warnings for parts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Earlier, Dorian brought flooding and widespread power outages but no major damage to the coastal Carolinas and Virginia. In the Bahamas, the scene was very different. With thousands of people left homeless, many were growing frustrated at the slow speed of relief and evacuation efforts. "There's no gas station, no food stores, my job is gone," said Melanie Lowe of Marsh Harbour, whose house was partially destroyed. She survived the storm packed in a two-bedroom apartment with 16 other people. First steps to rebuild As survivors began the first steps of rebuilding, arrangements were being made to care for the dead and account for the missing. Mortuary workers in white hazmat suits, blue gloves and masks could be seen in Marsh Harbour carrying corpses in green body bags and loading them onto flatbed trucks. President Donald Trump offered US support, adding in a video statement on Twitter, that "any cruise ship companies willing to act as stationary housing, etc., I am sure would be appreciated!" The cruise ship Celebrity Equinox rerouted a planned trip with passengers on board to bring 10,000 sandwiches to the Bahamas, NBC said. Royal Caribbean said its fleet would deliver thousands of meals and supplies, Fox's Tampa Bay affiliate reported. At the Abaco airport on Saturday, Tanya McDermott was waiting with her husband and young son for a plane to Nassau. Their home was badly damaged. With the injured given priority on outbound flights, the McDermotts waited. "We are going to wait around all day if we have to," Tanya McDermott said. "We are going to hope for the best."

Amid fears of far higher Dorian death toll, islanders scramble to leave

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Wednesday lamented the "generational devastation" wrought by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahamas-toll-rises-to-seven-as-hurricane-dorian-crawls-along-us-coast-247483">Hurricane Dorian</a>, as he confirmed the storm's death toll had risen to at least 20.

The US Coast Guard and Britain's Royal Navy airlifted survivors and ferried in emergency supplies as floodwaters receded in the Bahamas, while the weakened but still dangerous storm was "lashing" the coasts of the American states of Georgia and South Carolina.

The United Nations said 70,000 people on Grand Bahama and Abaco islands were in "immediate need" of aid while the prime minister confirmed the grim new victim count.

"There have been 20 confirmed deaths on Abaco. We expect that this number will increase," Minnis told a news conference.

He also issued a warning to looters, saying they will be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law" and announced the deployment of additional police and defence force officers.

Watch: Hurricane Dorian slams hard on the Bahamas, dramatic images from Space

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Shelter, safe drinking water, food and medicine were urgently needed for some 50,000 people on Grand Bahama and between 15,000 and 20,000 on Abaco, UN emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock said after a meeting with Minnis.

"Speed is of the essence," Red Cross official Stephen McAndrew said of rescue operations on the two northernmost islands in the Bahamas archipelago which were pummeled by one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record.

People on Grand Bahama island were using jet skis and boats to pluck victims from homes flooded and pulverized by heavy rain and lashing winds from the monster storm.

US Coast Guard and Royal Navy helicopters were conducting medical evacuations, aerial assessments to help coordinate relief efforts, and reconnaissance flights to assess the damage.

President Donald Trump spoke by telephone to the Bahamian leader and pledged US assistance, the White House said.&nbsp;

"A big section of the Bahamas was hit like few people have seen before," Trump said. "They need a big hand."&nbsp;

Aerial footage showed scenes of catastrophic damage in Abaco with hundreds of homes missing roofs, cars submerged or overturned, widespread flooding and boats reduced to matchwood.

'Lucky in Florida'

As rescue efforts ramped up, Dorian remained a strong Category 2 hurricane threatening the US east coast states of Georgia and South and North Carolina but leaving Florida largely unscathed.

"We got lucky in Florida, very, very lucky indeed," Trump said.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center predicted the Carolinas could be hit with a dangerous storm surge of up to eight feet (2.4 meters) and six to 12 inches of rain.

"We are very well prepared," Trump said.

Larry Lewis, who runs Paradise Watersports in the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama, said most of the floodwaters had receded but some roads remained impassable.

"Everybody is trying to do their best," Lewis told AFP by telephone.

He said very few stores were open. "I saw a lot of people scrapping for something to eat," he said.

Roberto Smith, who was born in Abaco but now lives in Florida, said he was worried about his family.

"I spoke to my dad on the night of the hurricane, on Sunday night, and his roof blew up," Smith told AFP. "I haven't spoken to him since then. I am really worried. I can't even eat."

"The island is devastated," he added. "There is no power, no running water, no electricity."

'Truly shocking'

The US Coast Guard said it had rescued 61 people including 19 injured patients from the Marsh Harbour clinic on Abaco island who were flown to Nassau on Tuesday.

USAID, the US relief agency, said meanwhile it was airlifting supplies such as plastic sheeting for shelter, hygiene kits and water from Miami.

A British landing ship, the RFA Mounts Bay, launched boats carrying supplies for Marsh Harbour on Abaco and Britain's Department for International Development said it had deployed a team of three humanitarian experts.

"The clock is now ticking to get help to those in need," British International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said.

The Bahamas, a former British colony, gained its independence in 1973 and is a member of the Commonwealth.

Dorian, which dumped as much as 30 inches of rain on the islands, was downgraded Tuesday morning to a Category 2 hurricane on the five-level wind scale.

At 8:00 pm (0000 GMT), Dorian was packing winds of 110 miles (175 kilometres) and was located 130 miles (210 kilometres) south of Charleston, South Carolina, according to the NHC.

It was moving in a north-northwest direction at eight miles per hour and was "lashing the Georgia and South Carolina coast," the NHC added. 
&nbsp;

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Wednesday lamented the "generational devastation" wrought by Hurricane Dorian, as he confirmed the storm's death toll had risen to at least 20.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Wednesday lamented the "generational devastation" wrought by Hurricane Dorian, as he confirmed the storm's death toll had risen to at least 20. The US Coast Guard and Britain's Royal Navy airlifted survivors and ferried in emergency supplies as floodwaters receded in the Bahamas, while the weakened but still dangerous storm was "lashing" the coasts of the American states of Georgia and South Carolina. The United Nations said 70,000 people on Grand Bahama and Abaco islands were in "immediate need" of aid while the prime minister confirmed the grim new victim count. "There have been 20 confirmed deaths on Abaco. We expect that this number will increase," Minnis told a news conference. He also issued a warning to looters, saying they will be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law" and announced the deployment of additional police and defence force officers. Watch: Hurricane Dorian slams hard on the Bahamas, dramatic images from Space × Shelter, safe drinking water, food and medicine were urgently needed for some 50,000 people on Grand Bahama and between 15,000 and 20,000 on Abaco, UN emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock said after a meeting with Minnis. "Speed is of the essence," Red Cross official Stephen McAndrew said of rescue operations on the two northernmost islands in the Bahamas archipelago which were pummeled by one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record. People on Grand Bahama island were using jet skis and boats to pluck victims from homes flooded and pulverized by heavy rain and lashing winds from the monster storm. US Coast Guard and Royal Navy helicopters were conducting medical evacuations, aerial assessments to help coordinate relief efforts, and reconnaissance flights to assess the damage. President Donald Trump spoke by telephone to the Bahamian leader and pledged US assistance, the White House said. "A big section of the Bahamas was hit like few people have seen before," Trump said. "They need a big hand." Aerial footage showed scenes of catastrophic damage in Abaco with hundreds of homes missing roofs, cars submerged or overturned, widespread flooding and boats reduced to matchwood. 'Lucky in Florida' As rescue efforts ramped up, Dorian remained a strong Category 2 hurricane threatening the US east coast states of Georgia and South and North Carolina but leaving Florida largely unscathed. "We got lucky in Florida, very, very lucky indeed," Trump said. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center predicted the Carolinas could be hit with a dangerous storm surge of up to eight feet (2.4 meters) and six to 12 inches of rain. "We are very well prepared," Trump said. Larry Lewis, who runs Paradise Watersports in the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama, said most of the floodwaters had receded but some roads remained impassable. "Everybody is trying to do their best," Lewis told AFP by telephone. He said very few stores were open. "I saw a lot of people scrapping for something to eat," he said. Roberto Smith, who was born in Abaco but now lives in Florida, said he was worried about his family. "I spoke to my dad on the night of the hurricane, on Sunday night, and his roof blew up," Smith told AFP. "I haven't spoken to him since then. I am really worried. I can't even eat." "The island is devastated," he added. "There is no power, no running water, no electricity." 'Truly shocking' The US Coast Guard said it had rescued 61 people including 19 injured patients from the Marsh Harbour clinic on Abaco island who were flown to Nassau on Tuesday. USAID, the US relief agency, said meanwhile it was airlifting supplies such as plastic sheeting for shelter, hygiene kits and water from Miami. A British landing ship, the RFA Mounts Bay, launched boats carrying supplies for Marsh Harbour on Abaco and Britain's Department for International Development said it had deployed a team of three humanitarian experts. "The clock is now ticking to get help to those in need," British International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said. The Bahamas, a former British colony, gained its independence in 1973 and is a member of the Commonwealth. Dorian, which dumped as much as 30 inches of rain on the islands, was downgraded Tuesday morning to a Category 2 hurricane on the five-level wind scale. At 8:00 pm (0000 GMT), Dorian was packing winds of 110 miles (175 kilometres) and was located 130 miles (210 kilometres) south of Charleston, South Carolina, according to the NHC. It was moving in a north-northwest direction at eight miles per hour and was "lashing the Georgia and South Carolina coast," the NHC added.

Hurricane Dorian: At least 20 dead in Bahamas; UN says 70,000 in need of immediate aid

Trouble is raining down on US President Donald Trump, who appears to have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharpie-gate-trump-shows-apparently-altered-hurricane-map-247689">given Americans incorrect information on Hurricane Dorian's trajectory</a>.

During an Oval Office press conference Wednesday, Trump displayed a map from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) showing the devastating storm's initial predicted path.

As he held up the poster board to give the journalists present a better view, it became clear the map had been edited: Dorian's cone had been extended with what appeared to be black marker to include the state of Alabama.

It is against the law to falsify a National Weather Service forecast and pass it off as official, according to the non-profit Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School. It was unclear who altered the chart.

When asked a few hours later about the surprising addition, Trump responded, "I don't know. I don't know," while continuing to maintain that the initial storm predictions included the possibility that Dorian would make landfall in the southern state.

Trump had incorrectly tweeted Sunday that Alabama was among the states -- as well as Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas -- that could be affected by the hurricane.

Not long after, the National Weather Service's (NWS) office in Birmingham, Alabama appeared to respond to the contrary, though it did not explicitly mention Trump's tweet.

"Alabama will NOT see any impacts from #Dorian," it tweeted.

"We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane #Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east."

After White House ABC correspondent Jonathon Karl fact-checked Trump, the president lashed out, tweeting "Such a phony hurricane report by lightweight reporter", before doubling-down on his original claim that Alabama could have been impacted by Dorian.

He tweeted: "under certain original scenarios, it was, in fact, correct that Alabama could have received some 'hurt.'"

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has regular bulletins on the storm's progress but has not issued any Alabama warnings.

And on Wednesday night, the president tweeted a map from August 28 and wrote: "As you can see, almost all models predicted it to go through Florida also hitting Georgia and Alabama. I accept the Fake News apologies!"

The map was issued by the South Florida Water Management District and, as many online users pointed out, contains this caveat: "If anything on this graphic causes confusion, ignore the entire product."

Trouble is raining down on US President Donald Trump, who appears to have given Americans incorrect information on Hurricane Dorian's trajectory. During an Oval Office press conference Wednesday, Trump displayed a map from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) showing the devastating storm's initial predicted path.

Trouble is raining down on US President Donald Trump, who appears to have given Americans incorrect information on Hurricane Dorian's trajectory. During an Oval Office press conference Wednesday, Trump displayed a map from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) showing the devastating storm's initial predicted path. As he held up the poster board to give the journalists present a better view, it became clear the map had been edited: Dorian's cone had been extended with what appeared to be black marker to include the state of Alabama. It is against the law to falsify a National Weather Service forecast and pass it off as official, according to the non-profit Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School. It was unclear who altered the chart. When asked a few hours later about the surprising addition, Trump responded, "I don't know. I don't know," while continuing to maintain that the initial storm predictions included the possibility that Dorian would make landfall in the southern state. Trump had incorrectly tweeted Sunday that Alabama was among the states -- as well as Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas -- that could be affected by the hurricane. Not long after, the National Weather Service's (NWS) office in Birmingham, Alabama appeared to respond to the contrary, though it did not explicitly mention Trump's tweet. "Alabama will NOT see any impacts from #Dorian," it tweeted. "We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane #Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east." After White House ABC correspondent Jonathon Karl fact-checked Trump, the president lashed out, tweeting "Such a phony hurricane report by lightweight reporter", before doubling-down on his original claim that Alabama could have been impacted by Dorian. He tweeted: "under certain original scenarios, it was, in fact, correct that Alabama could have received some 'hurt.'" The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has regular bulletins on the storm's progress but has not issued any Alabama warnings. And on Wednesday night, the president tweeted a map from August 28 and wrote: "As you can see, almost all models predicted it to go through Florida also hitting Georgia and Alabama. I accept the Fake News apologies!" The map was issued by the South Florida Water Management District and, as many online users pointed out, contains this caveat: "If anything on this graphic causes confusion, ignore the entire product."

Donald Trump continues to defend incorrect map of Hurricane Dorian path

Hurricane Dorian left stretches of the Bahamas looking as if they had been carpet-bombed, and was r<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-at-least-20-dead-in-bahamas-un-says-70000-in-need-of-immediate-aid-247657">egaining strength as it ground up the US Atlantic coast</a>, possibly making landfall later on Thursday in South Carolina.

The United Nations said 70,000 people in the Bahamas needed immediate humanitarian relief after the most damaging storm ever to hit the island nation.

Aerial video of the worst-hit Abaco Islands in the northern Bahamas showed widespread devastation, with the harbour, shops and workplaces, a hospital, and airport landing strips damaged or blown to pieces, all of which was frustrating rescue efforts.

One of the most powerful Caribbean storms on record, the Category 5 hurricane killed at least 20 people in the Bahamas. Authorities expected that number to rise, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told a news conference, as retreating floodwaters reveal the scope of the destruction.

With many telephones down, residents posted lists of missing loved ones on social media. One Facebook post by media outlet Our News Bahamas had 2,000 comments, mainly listing lost family.

Dorian killed one person in Puerto Rico before hovering over the Bahamas for two days with torrential rains and fierce winds that whipped up 12-18 foot (3.7- to 5.5-meter) storm surges.

In the United States, South Carolina was preparing for a record storm surge, potentially reaching a height of 8 feet (2 meters) at the popular vacation destination of Myrtle Beach, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an advisory.

About a foot of rain will drop on flood-prone Charleston, SC and many parts of the coasts of the Carolinas on Thursday and Friday, said Bob Oravec, a forecaster with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

"It's pretty substantial," he said. "It's already raining heavy in Charleston and up and down the coast," he said early Thursday.

Dorian is predicted to move near or over the coast of South Carolina later Thursday and then North Carolina overnight, forecasters said.

At 2 am EST on Thursday, Dorian was about 105 miles (170 km) south of Charleston, South Carolina, the NHC said.

It had strengthened to regain its status as a Category 3 storm late on Wednesday with winds of 115 mph (185 kph), after passing over warm waters which drive hurricane intensity, the NHC said.

The NHC issued a storm surge warning that covered the whole length of the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, extending to Hampton Roads in southern Virginia.

More than 2.2 million people in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have been ordered to evacuate, although Florida has avoided a direct hit.

Bahamas battered

An international relief effort was underway for the Bahamas, with a British Royal Navy vessel providing assistance and Jamaica sending a 150-member military contingent to help secure Abaco and Grand Bahama, officials said.

Volunteers also ferried supplies to the islands in a flotilla of small boats.

"Let us give of our best in this moment of historic tragedy," Minnis said.

He also encouraged international tourists to visit the Bahamas, which relies heavily on its hospitality industry.

As many as 13,000 homes in the Bahamas may have been destroyed or severely damaged, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said.

The State Department said it did not believe any US citizens who were in the Bahamas during the storm were killed.

President Donald Trump said the United States was sending supplies to the islands, including materials that had been originally intended for any Dorian victims in Florida.

Hurricane Dorian left stretches of the Bahamas looking as if they had been carpet-bombed, and was regaining strength as it ground up the US Atlantic coast, possibly making landfall later on Thursday in South Carolina.

Hurricane Dorian left stretches of the Bahamas looking as if they had been carpet-bombed, and was regaining strength as it ground up the US Atlantic coast, possibly making landfall later on Thursday in South Carolina. The United Nations said 70,000 people in the Bahamas needed immediate humanitarian relief after the most damaging storm ever to hit the island nation. Aerial video of the worst-hit Abaco Islands in the northern Bahamas showed widespread devastation, with the harbour, shops and workplaces, a hospital, and airport landing strips damaged or blown to pieces, all of which was frustrating rescue efforts. One of the most powerful Caribbean storms on record, the Category 5 hurricane killed at least 20 people in the Bahamas. Authorities expected that number to rise, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told a news conference, as retreating floodwaters reveal the scope of the destruction. With many telephones down, residents posted lists of missing loved ones on social media. One Facebook post by media outlet Our News Bahamas had 2,000 comments, mainly listing lost family. Dorian killed one person in Puerto Rico before hovering over the Bahamas for two days with torrential rains and fierce winds that whipped up 12-18 foot (3.7- to 5.5-meter) storm surges. In the United States, South Carolina was preparing for a record storm surge, potentially reaching a height of 8 feet (2 meters) at the popular vacation destination of Myrtle Beach, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an advisory. About a foot of rain will drop on flood-prone Charleston, SC and many parts of the coasts of the Carolinas on Thursday and Friday, said Bob Oravec, a forecaster with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. "It's pretty substantial," he said. "It's already raining heavy in Charleston and up and down the coast," he said early Thursday. Dorian is predicted to move near or over the coast of South Carolina later Thursday and then North Carolina overnight, forecasters said. At 2 am EST on Thursday, Dorian was about 105 miles (170 km) south of Charleston, South Carolina, the NHC said. It had strengthened to regain its status as a Category 3 storm late on Wednesday with winds of 115 mph (185 kph), after passing over warm waters which drive hurricane intensity, the NHC said. The NHC issued a storm surge warning that covered the whole length of the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, extending to Hampton Roads in southern Virginia. More than 2.2 million people in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have been ordered to evacuate, although Florida has avoided a direct hit. Bahamas battered An international relief effort was underway for the Bahamas, with a British Royal Navy vessel providing assistance and Jamaica sending a 150-member military contingent to help secure Abaco and Grand Bahama, officials said. Volunteers also ferried supplies to the islands in a flotilla of small boats. "Let us give of our best in this moment of historic tragedy," Minnis said. He also encouraged international tourists to visit the Bahamas, which relies heavily on its hospitality industry. As many as 13,000 homes in the Bahamas may have been destroyed or severely damaged, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said. The State Department said it did not believe any US citizens who were in the Bahamas during the storm were killed. President Donald Trump said the United States was sending supplies to the islands, including materials that had been originally intended for any Dorian victims in Florida.

Leaving Bahamas devastated, Dorian regains strength as it crawls up US coast

Hurricane Dorian smashed parts of the tourism-dependent Bahamas to ruins, leaving relief officials scrambling on Tuesday to battle an unfolding humanitarian crisis as the scale of the catastrophe begins to emerge. According to the reports, at least 7 people died in the Bahamas.

Hurricane Dorian kills at least 7 in the Bahamas

Weakening slightly but still packing a powerful punch,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-hurricane-dorian-approaches-quick-look-at-floridas-deadliest-and-destructive-hurricanes-246886"> Hurricane Dorian </a>churned along the southeastern coast of the United States on Tuesday as the storm's death toll in the Bahamas rose to seven.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis termed Dorian "one of the greatest national crises in our country's history," announcing the updated toll and saying that it would likely rise further.

"We can expect more deaths to be recorded -- this is just preliminary information," Minnis told journalists.

As the storm moved away from the Bahamas, more accounts of the suffering it inflicted began to emerge.

Water "came over the roof. I would imagine 21 feet (six meters) at least. We were doing all right until the water kept coming up and all the appliances were going around the house like a washing machine," crab fisherman Howard Armstrong told CNN.

"My poor little wife got hypothermia and she was standing on top of the kitchen cabinets until they disintegrated... I kept with her and she just drowned on me," said Armstrong, who eventually made it to his boat.

Aerial footage of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas broadcast by CNN showed scenes of catastrophic damage, with hundreds of homes missing roofs, overturned cars, widespread flooding and debris strewn all over.

"Parts of Abaco are decimated. There's severe flooding, there's severe damage to homes, businesses, other buildings and infrastructure," said Minnis.

Bahamas residents "endured hours and days of horror, fearing for their lives and the lives of their loved ones," he said.

The runways at Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport, the island's largest city, were under water, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

'Devastated'

The online Bahamas Press published video of flooding in the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport and said patients had been forced to evacuate the facility.

The US Coast Guard sent MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters to Andros Island in the southern Bahamas to help with search and rescue operations as residents trapped in their homes by floodwaters issued distress calls.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the core of the storm "is moving nearly parallel to, but offshore of, the east coast of central Florida," while President Donald Trump warned people against complacency.

"The US&nbsp;may be getting a little bit lucky with respect to Hurricane Dorian, but please don't let down your guard. As it heads up the coast, lots of very bad and unpredictable things can happen!" he tweeted.

"On the other hand, the Bahamas have been devastated," he wrote.

"I am getting the North Carolina Emergency Declaration completed and signed tonight. Hope you won't need it!" he tweeted later.

Dorian, which has dumped as much as 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain on the Bahamas, was downgraded Tuesday morning to a Category 2 hurricane on the five-level wind scale.

But it is "expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next few of days," the NHC said.

A state of emergency has been declared up and down the east coast for millions of US residents potentially in the path of the storm.

The Pentagon said 5,000 members of the National Guard and 2,700 active-duty troops were ready to help out if needed.

'Some have lost everything'

At 9:00 pm (0100 GMT), Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 miles (175 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said.

It reported that Dorian was expected to turn toward the north on Wednesday evening.

This will be "followed by a turn toward the north-northeast Thursday morning. On this track, the core of Hurricane Dorian will move dangerously close to the Florida east coast and the Georgia coast tonight through Wednesday night," it said.

"The center of Dorian is forecast to move near or over the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina Thursday through Friday morning," the NHC added.

Yasmin Rigby, a resident of Freeport in the Bahamas, told AFP that "most of the island is still flooded" and it was "still raining with gusty winds."

"I am still getting calls from people calling for help," Rigby said. "I cannot move from my apartment. Thankfully we have sufficient supplies."

In Coconut Grove, Florida, which has a sizeable population from the Bahamas, residents were collecting supplies for hurricane victims.

"We are looking for cases of water, canned food, can openers, flashlights, baby formula, diapers, mosquito repellent, small generators," said Nathaniel Robinson, the pastor of the Greater St Paul AME Church.

Robinson said seven seaplanes were on standby to deliver the supplies "when the weather permits."

"Hopefully tomorrow," he said.

Robinson said some church members have family who were "devastated by the storm."

"Some have lost everything they own," he said. "Their homes, any forms of transportation, businesses. They have absolutely nothing."

Weakening slightly but still packing a powerful punch, Hurricane Dorian churned along the southeastern coast of the United States on Tuesday as the storm's death toll in the Bahamas rose to seven.

Weakening slightly but still packing a powerful punch, Hurricane Dorian churned along the southeastern coast of the United States on Tuesday as the storm's death toll in the Bahamas rose to seven. Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis termed Dorian "one of the greatest national crises in our country's history," announcing the updated toll and saying that it would likely rise further. "We can expect more deaths to be recorded -- this is just preliminary information," Minnis told journalists. As the storm moved away from the Bahamas, more accounts of the suffering it inflicted began to emerge. Water "came over the roof. I would imagine 21 feet (six meters) at least. We were doing all right until the water kept coming up and all the appliances were going around the house like a washing machine," crab fisherman Howard Armstrong told CNN. "My poor little wife got hypothermia and she was standing on top of the kitchen cabinets until they disintegrated... I kept with her and she just drowned on me," said Armstrong, who eventually made it to his boat. Aerial footage of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas broadcast by CNN showed scenes of catastrophic damage, with hundreds of homes missing roofs, overturned cars, widespread flooding and debris strewn all over. "Parts of Abaco are decimated. There's severe flooding, there's severe damage to homes, businesses, other buildings and infrastructure," said Minnis. Bahamas residents "endured hours and days of horror, fearing for their lives and the lives of their loved ones," he said. The runways at Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport, the island's largest city, were under water, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. 'Devastated' The online Bahamas Press published video of flooding in the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport and said patients had been forced to evacuate the facility. The US Coast Guard sent MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters to Andros Island in the southern Bahamas to help with search and rescue operations as residents trapped in their homes by floodwaters issued distress calls. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the core of the storm "is moving nearly parallel to, but offshore of, the east coast of central Florida," while President Donald Trump warned people against complacency. "The US may be getting a little bit lucky with respect to Hurricane Dorian, but please don't let down your guard. As it heads up the coast, lots of very bad and unpredictable things can happen!" he tweeted. "On the other hand, the Bahamas have been devastated," he wrote. "I am getting the North Carolina Emergency Declaration completed and signed tonight. Hope you won't need it!" he tweeted later. Dorian, which has dumped as much as 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain on the Bahamas, was downgraded Tuesday morning to a Category 2 hurricane on the five-level wind scale. But it is "expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next few of days," the NHC said. A state of emergency has been declared up and down the east coast for millions of US residents potentially in the path of the storm. The Pentagon said 5,000 members of the National Guard and 2,700 active-duty troops were ready to help out if needed. 'Some have lost everything' At 9:00 pm (0100 GMT), Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 miles (175 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said. It reported that Dorian was expected to turn toward the north on Wednesday evening. This will be "followed by a turn toward the north-northeast Thursday morning. On this track, the core of Hurricane Dorian will move dangerously close to the Florida east coast and the Georgia coast tonight through Wednesday night," it said. "The center of Dorian is forecast to move near or over the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina Thursday through Friday morning," the NHC added. Yasmin Rigby, a resident of Freeport in the Bahamas, told AFP that "most of the island is still flooded" and it was "still raining with gusty winds." "I am still getting calls from people calling for help," Rigby said. "I cannot move from my apartment. Thankfully we have sufficient supplies." In Coconut Grove, Florida, which has a sizeable population from the Bahamas, residents were collecting supplies for hurricane victims. "We are looking for cases of water, canned food, can openers, flashlights, baby formula, diapers, mosquito repellent, small generators," said Nathaniel Robinson, the pastor of the Greater St Paul AME Church. Robinson said seven seaplanes were on standby to deliver the supplies "when the weather permits." "Hopefully tomorrow," he said. Robinson said some church members have family who were "devastated by the storm." "Some have lost everything they own," he said. "Their homes, any forms of transportation, businesses. They have absolutely nothing."

Bahamas toll rises to seven as Hurricane Dorian crawls along US coast

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dorian-kills-five-in-bahamas-us-evacuates-coast-247227">Monster storm Dorian </a>hovered over the Bahamas as surging seawaters and ferocious winds sowed chaos in low-lying island communities, killing at least five people and spurring mass evacuations on the US east coast.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Monday termed the hurricane a "historic tragedy" for the archipelago.

"Thus far, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that there are five deaths in Abaco," Minnis told a news conference, referring to the islands where Dorian made landfall as a Category 5 storm on Sunday.

It weakened slightly to a still-dangerous Category 3 storm on Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As Dorian ground to a standstill, pounding Grand Bahama further to the west of the island chain, the Bahamas tourism and aviation ministry announced the start of rescue operations "in parts where it is safe."

Watch: Hurricane Dorian kills at least 5 people in the Bahamas

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US forecasters said the storm would keep hammering the Bahamas overnight into Tuesday.

For many, the wait for help to arrive has been terrifying.

A text message seen by AFP from a woman named Kendra Williams, who lives on Grand Bahama, said: "We are underwater; we are up in the ceiling. Can someone please assist us or send some help. Please. Me and my six grandchildren and my son, we are in the ceiling."

Florida is beginning to feel the effects of Dorian, with heavy rain and "gusty winds" forecast, and the possibility of tornadoes on Tuesday, the Miami-based NHC said.

More than 9,500 people have taken cover in 121 shelters in Florida, according to the state's Division of Emergency Management.

Among them is 30-year-old Stefanie Passieux, who took shelter along with her two children and mother.

"I came yesterday, as soon as it opened. They said we were in a state of emergency so I came," she said.

"My dad is staying with the cats, but we left. He never leaves. He doesn't do shelters," Passieux said.

Weaker but still dangerous

At 0500 GMT Tuesday, the hurricane remained stationary, the NHC said, whipping the Caribbean island with torrential rains and winds of 125 miles (205 kilometers) per hour, with higher gusts.

The storm is forecast to resume moving westward overnight.

"Although gradual weakening is forecast, Dorian is expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next couple of days," the NHC said in an earlier bulletin.

Fear gripped residents of Freeport, as winds tore off shutters and water began entering homes, Yasmin Rigby said by text from the Grand Bahama island's main city.

"People who thought they were safe are now calling for help," Rigby said. "My best friend's husband is stuck in the roof of their house with seven feet (two meters) water below."

Initial Red Cross estimates were that 13,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed by Dorian, officials in Geneva said.

Video posted on the website of the Bahamian newspaper Tribune 242 showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water dotted with wooden boards, tree branches and other debris.

'Get out NOW'

The NHC warned of a 12- to 18-foot storm surge above tide levels in parts of Grand Bahama, accompanied by large and destructive waves, saying that people on the island should "remain in shelter."

Water levels in the Abacos, swamped by a similar surge Sunday, were expected to slowly subside.

"The hurricane will then move dangerously close to the Florida east coast late Tuesday through Wednesday evening and then move dangerously close to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Wednesday night and Thursday," the NHC said.

All three eastern US states have ordered coastal residents to evacuate, affecting close to a million people.

Neighbouring North Carolina has also declared a state of emergency, as has Virginia further north.

Florida senator and former governor Rick Scott wrote on Twitter that "a slight wobble West" would bring the storm "on shore with devastating consequences."

"If you're in an evacuation zone, get out NOW. We can rebuild your home. We can't rebuild your life."

In southern Florida's Port Saint Lucie -- a low-income area where mobile home parks stood all-but emptied of their residents -- Dan Peatle, 78, fled his retirement community to take shelter in a hotel.

"It makes me sick. I don't like it," he told AFP as he stepped outside for air before the storm closes in.

"I've been through seven or eight of them since I've been in Florida, since '73. And, they're all the same, you know. Tear everything up, put it back together.

"But, I chose to live here so I might as well live with it, you know."

Monster storm Dorian hovered over the Bahamas as surging seawaters and ferocious winds sowed chaos in low-lying island communities, killing at least five people and spurring mass evacuations on the US east coast.

Monster storm Dorian hovered over the Bahamas as surging seawaters and ferocious winds sowed chaos in low-lying island communities, killing at least five people and spurring mass evacuations on the US east coast. Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Monday termed the hurricane a "historic tragedy" for the archipelago. "Thus far, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that there are five deaths in Abaco," Minnis told a news conference, referring to the islands where Dorian made landfall as a Category 5 storm on Sunday. It weakened slightly to a still-dangerous Category 3 storm on Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As Dorian ground to a standstill, pounding Grand Bahama further to the west of the island chain, the Bahamas tourism and aviation ministry announced the start of rescue operations "in parts where it is safe." Watch: Hurricane Dorian kills at least 5 people in the Bahamas × US forecasters said the storm would keep hammering the Bahamas overnight into Tuesday. For many, the wait for help to arrive has been terrifying. A text message seen by AFP from a woman named Kendra Williams, who lives on Grand Bahama, said: "We are underwater; we are up in the ceiling. Can someone please assist us or send some help. Please. Me and my six grandchildren and my son, we are in the ceiling." Florida is beginning to feel the effects of Dorian, with heavy rain and "gusty winds" forecast, and the possibility of tornadoes on Tuesday, the Miami-based NHC said. More than 9,500 people have taken cover in 121 shelters in Florida, according to the state's Division of Emergency Management. Among them is 30-year-old Stefanie Passieux, who took shelter along with her two children and mother. "I came yesterday, as soon as it opened. They said we were in a state of emergency so I came," she said. "My dad is staying with the cats, but we left. He never leaves. He doesn't do shelters," Passieux said. Weaker but still dangerous At 0500 GMT Tuesday, the hurricane remained stationary, the NHC said, whipping the Caribbean island with torrential rains and winds of 125 miles (205 kilometers) per hour, with higher gusts. The storm is forecast to resume moving westward overnight. "Although gradual weakening is forecast, Dorian is expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next couple of days," the NHC said in an earlier bulletin. Fear gripped residents of Freeport, as winds tore off shutters and water began entering homes, Yasmin Rigby said by text from the Grand Bahama island's main city. "People who thought they were safe are now calling for help," Rigby said. "My best friend's husband is stuck in the roof of their house with seven feet (two meters) water below." Initial Red Cross estimates were that 13,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed by Dorian, officials in Geneva said. Video posted on the website of the Bahamian newspaper Tribune 242 showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water dotted with wooden boards, tree branches and other debris. 'Get out NOW' The NHC warned of a 12- to 18-foot storm surge above tide levels in parts of Grand Bahama, accompanied by large and destructive waves, saying that people on the island should "remain in shelter." Water levels in the Abacos, swamped by a similar surge Sunday, were expected to slowly subside. "The hurricane will then move dangerously close to the Florida east coast late Tuesday through Wednesday evening and then move dangerously close to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Wednesday night and Thursday," the NHC said. All three eastern US states have ordered coastal residents to evacuate, affecting close to a million people. Neighbouring North Carolina has also declared a state of emergency, as has Virginia further north. Florida senator and former governor Rick Scott wrote on Twitter that "a slight wobble West" would bring the storm "on shore with devastating consequences." "If you're in an evacuation zone, get out NOW. We can rebuild your home. We can't rebuild your life." In southern Florida's Port Saint Lucie -- a low-income area where mobile home parks stood all-but emptied of their residents -- Dan Peatle, 78, fled his retirement community to take shelter in a hotel. "It makes me sick. I don't like it," he told AFP as he stepped outside for air before the storm closes in. "I've been through seven or eight of them since I've been in Florida, since '73. And, they're all the same, you know. Tear everything up, put it back together. "But, I chose to live here so I might as well live with it, you know."

Hurricane Dorian weakens to Category 3; Bahamas PM says its a 'historic tragedy'

At least five people have died because of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said, as the massive storm pounded the Caribbean nation on Monday (September 2), peeling off roofs, snapping power lines and inundating homes with floodwater ahead of its expected advance on the U.S. coast.

Hurricane Dorian kills at least 5 people in the Bahamas

Monster storm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slow-moving-hurricane-dorian-pounds-bahamas-menaces-us-coast-247204">Dorian hovered over the Bahamas</a> Monday as surging seawaters and ferocious winds sowed chaos in low-lying island communities, killing at least five people and spurring mass evacuations on the US east coast.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis termed the hurricane a "historic tragedy" for the archipelago.

"Thus far, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that there are five deaths in Abaco," Minnis told a news conference, referring to the islands where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahamas-facing-hurricane-like-never-in-history-warns-pm-247050">Dorian made landfall as a Category 5 storm</a> on Sunday, packing blistering winds of 185 miles per hour (290 kilometres per hour).

"Teams will go to Abaco as soon as possible for a full and proper assessment and identification," he said.

As Dorian ground to a standstill, pounding Grand Bahama further to the west of the island chain, the Bahamas tourism and aviation ministry announced the start of rescue operations "in parts where it is safe."

US forecasters said the storm would keep hammering the Bahamas overnight into Tuesday.

Watch: Florida residents fill sandbags, board up as Hurricane Dorian spins up to category 5

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For many, the wait for help to arrive has been terrifying.

A text message seen by AFP from a woman named Kendra Williams, who lives on Grand Bahama said: "We are under water; we are up in the ceiling. Can someone please assist us or send some help. Please. Me and my six grandchildren and my son, we are in the ceiling."

Abaco resident Ramond A. King captured scenes of devastation in footage provided to AFP, showing flooded streets strewn with trees and downed power lines and at least one home washed clearly away.

"Look at this," he can be heard saying. "We need help, everything down. Everything down. Look at my roof off, my house. I still got life. Thank God for life. I can rebuild."

"The tornado came from around this side... My neighbour used to live there. His house ain't even there."

Dorian weakened slightly Monday to a still-devastating Category 4 storm, punishing Grand Bahama with "life-threatening storm surge and catastrophic winds," the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest bulletin.

At 0100 GMT Tuesday, the hurricane was stationary, the NHC said, whipping the Caribbean island with torrential rains and winds of 140 miles per hour, with gusts up to 165.&nbsp;

It is forecast to resume moving westward overnight. "Although gradual weakening is forecast, Dorian is expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next couple of days," the NHC said.

Fear gripped residents of Freeport, as winds tore off shutters and water began coming into homes, said Yasmin Rigby, reached by text in the Grand Bahama island's main city.

"People who thought they were safe are now calling for help," Rigby said. "My best friend's husband is stuck in the roof of their house with seven feet (2 meters) water below."

Initial Red Cross estimates were that 13,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed by Dorian, officials in Geneva said.

'Get out NOW'

Video posted on the website of the Bahamian newspaper Tribune 242 showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water dotted with wooden boards, tree branches and other debris.

The NHC warned of a 12 to 18-foot storm surge above tide levels in parts of Grand Bahama, accompanied by large and destructive waves, saying that people on the island should "remain in the shelter."

Water levels in the Abacos, swamped by a similar surge Sunday, were expected to slowly subside.&nbsp;

"On this track, the core of extremely dangerous Hurricane Dorian will continue to pound Grand Bahama Island into Tuesday morning," the NHC said.

"The hurricane will then move dangerously close to the Florida east coast late Tuesday through Wednesday evening, and then move dangerously close to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Wednesday night and Thursday."

All three eastern US states have ordered coastal residents to evacuate, affecting close to a million people. Neighbouring North Carolina has also declared a state of emergency, as has Virginia farther north.

Florida Governor Rick Scott wrote on Twitter that "a slight wobble West" would bring the storm "onshore with devastating consequences."

"If you're in an evacuation zone, get out NOW. We can rebuild your home. We can't rebuild your life."

'Tear everything up'

In southern Florida's Port Saint Lucie -- a low-income area where mobile home parks stood all-but emptied of their residents -- Dan Peatle, 78, fled his retirement community to take shelter in a hotel.

"It makes me sick. I don't like it," he told AFP as he stepped outside for air before the storm closes in.

"I've been through seven or eight of them since I've been in Florida, since '73. And, they're all the same, you know. Tear everything up, put it back together.

"But, I chose to live here so I might as well live with it, you know."

Monster storm Dorian hovered over the Bahamas Monday as surging seawaters and ferocious winds sowed chaos in low-lying island communities, killing at least five people and spurring mass evacuations on the US east coast.

Monster storm Dorian hovered over the Bahamas Monday as surging seawaters and ferocious winds sowed chaos in low-lying island communities, killing at least five people and spurring mass evacuations on the US east coast. Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis termed the hurricane a "historic tragedy" for the archipelago. "Thus far, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that there are five deaths in Abaco," Minnis told a news conference, referring to the islands where Dorian made landfall as a Category 5 storm on Sunday, packing blistering winds of 185 miles per hour (290 kilometres per hour). "Teams will go to Abaco as soon as possible for a full and proper assessment and identification," he said. As Dorian ground to a standstill, pounding Grand Bahama further to the west of the island chain, the Bahamas tourism and aviation ministry announced the start of rescue operations "in parts where it is safe." US forecasters said the storm would keep hammering the Bahamas overnight into Tuesday. Watch: Florida residents fill sandbags, board up as Hurricane Dorian spins up to category 5 × For many, the wait for help to arrive has been terrifying. A text message seen by AFP from a woman named Kendra Williams, who lives on Grand Bahama said: "We are under water; we are up in the ceiling. Can someone please assist us or send some help. Please. Me and my six grandchildren and my son, we are in the ceiling." Abaco resident Ramond A. King captured scenes of devastation in footage provided to AFP, showing flooded streets strewn with trees and downed power lines and at least one home washed clearly away. "Look at this," he can be heard saying. "We need help, everything down. Everything down. Look at my roof off, my house. I still got life. Thank God for life. I can rebuild." "The tornado came from around this side... My neighbour used to live there. His house ain't even there." Dorian weakened slightly Monday to a still-devastating Category 4 storm, punishing Grand Bahama with "life-threatening storm surge and catastrophic winds," the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest bulletin. At 0100 GMT Tuesday, the hurricane was stationary, the NHC said, whipping the Caribbean island with torrential rains and winds of 140 miles per hour, with gusts up to 165. It is forecast to resume moving westward overnight. "Although gradual weakening is forecast, Dorian is expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next couple of days," the NHC said. Fear gripped residents of Freeport, as winds tore off shutters and water began coming into homes, said Yasmin Rigby, reached by text in the Grand Bahama island's main city. "People who thought they were safe are now calling for help," Rigby said. "My best friend's husband is stuck in the roof of their house with seven feet (2 meters) water below." Initial Red Cross estimates were that 13,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed by Dorian, officials in Geneva said. 'Get out NOW' Video posted on the website of the Bahamian newspaper Tribune 242 showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water dotted with wooden boards, tree branches and other debris. The NHC warned of a 12 to 18-foot storm surge above tide levels in parts of Grand Bahama, accompanied by large and destructive waves, saying that people on the island should "remain in the shelter." Water levels in the Abacos, swamped by a similar surge Sunday, were expected to slowly subside. "On this track, the core of extremely dangerous Hurricane Dorian will continue to pound Grand Bahama Island into Tuesday morning," the NHC said. "The hurricane will then move dangerously close to the Florida east coast late Tuesday through Wednesday evening, and then move dangerously close to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Wednesday night and Thursday." All three eastern US states have ordered coastal residents to evacuate, affecting close to a million people. Neighbouring North Carolina has also declared a state of emergency, as has Virginia farther north. Florida Governor Rick Scott wrote on Twitter that "a slight wobble West" would bring the storm "onshore with devastating consequences." "If you're in an evacuation zone, get out NOW. We can rebuild your home. We can't rebuild your life." 'Tear everything up' In southern Florida's Port Saint Lucie -- a low-income area where mobile home parks stood all-but emptied of their residents -- Dan Peatle, 78, fled his retirement community to take shelter in a hotel. "It makes me sick. I don't like it," he told AFP as he stepped outside for air before the storm closes in. "I've been through seven or eight of them since I've been in Florida, since '73. And, they're all the same, you know. Tear everything up, put it back together. "But, I chose to live here so I might as well live with it, you know."

Dorian kills five in Bahamas, US evacuates coast

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dorian-to-hit-bahamas-as-devastating-hurricane-then-menace-georgia-and-carolinas-246935">Hurricane Dorian</a> blasted the northern Bahamas as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dorian-strengthens-to-powerful-category-5-hurricane-as-it-nears-bahamas-247011">monster Category 5 storm </a>on Sunday, pummeling the low-lying island chain with torrential rains and winds of a violence unprecedented in its history.

Packing winds of 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour), Dorian made landfall twice in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bahamas-braces-for-hurricane-dorian-florida-on-high-alert-246956">Bahamas</a>' Abaco Islands, and was tied for the second most powerful hurricane ever in the Atlantic basin, the National Weather Service said.

Footage posted on social media showed major destruction. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Parts of the Abaco Islands were reported to be under water as forecasters warned it was facing a towering 18 to 23 foot storm surge. Winds were gusting over 220 mph, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

Video posted on the website of the Bahamian newspaper Tribune 242 showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water dotted with wooden boards, tree branches and other debris.

In other social media footage of what appears to be an inland area, cars were smashed or turned over, telephone poles and trees were snapped like twigs and debris filled the yards of severely damaged homes. AFP could not immediately confirm the authenticity of any of this footage.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis broke down in tears as he addressed a news conference, calling it "probably the most sad and worst day of my life," the Nassau Guardian reported.

"We're facing a hurricane... one that we've never seen in the history of the Bahamas," he said.

Footage shot in Cooper's Town, Abaco and obtained by AFP showed waves crashing violently onshore, sending up huge clouds of spray along the coastline.

Local radio reported that people were calling for help after winds blew the roof off the Island Breezes Hotel in Marsh Harbour, a commercial hub in the Abacos.

"Things are really starting to rock and roll," a post on the Facebook page of the Hope Town Bulletin in Abacos said at 10:00 am local time.&nbsp;

As of 2200 GMT, the storm was 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama and moving slowly west.

In Grand Bahama, thousands have evacuated to get out of Dorian's predicted path.

"It feels like we are standing in a line waiting for a beating," Yasmin Rigby, a resident of Freeport, the island's main city, told AFP.&nbsp;

Watch: Weather expert on Hurricane Dorian

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- Strongest storm to hit Bahamas -

The NHC said Dorian had become "the strongest hurricane in modern records for the northwestern Bahamas."

Describing "catastrophic" conditions in the Abacos Islands, it said the storm was "heading with all its fury towards Grand Bahama," where it was expected Sunday night into Monday.

NHC director Ken Graham on Facebook Live said the Bahamas would be under major hurricane conditions for a punishing 30 hours or more.

"That's major hurricane winds, that's storm surge of 10 and even 20 feet in some of those areas," he said. "That's also torrential rainfall of 15 to 20 inches, isolated 30 inches."

In Washington, US President Donald Trump met with his emergency management chiefs and declared "this looks monstrous."

"We expect that much of the eastern seaboard will be ultimately impacted and some of it very, very severely," he said.

Tropical storm warnings were in effect for parts of the Florida coast, and residents up and down the Atlantic coast braced for a brush with danger.

Florida issued its first evacuation orders in parts of Palm Beach, home of Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and Martin Counties.

'Very great danger'

Kevin McAleenan, acting homeland security secretary, said hurricane force winds could hit Florida, followed by a prolonged rain event combined with a storm surge.

"That's going to be very difficult as the storm starts to move northward, mostly like, up the coast of Florida and toward Georgia and South Carolina," he said on ABC's "This Week."

While Miami appeared likely to be largely spared, 30-year-old David Duque, picking up sandbags there on Saturday, noted that "everything could change... I know it could be a scare, but better prepare instead of doing nothing."

The Florida National Guard said roughly 2,000 service members had been mobilized, with another 2,000 poised to join them.

'Absolute monster'

Trump has declared a federal state of emergency in Florida, authorizing US assistance to supplement state and local efforts.

Following a similar state order in Florida, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Saturday, saying, "Given the strength and unpredictability of the storm, we must prepare for every possible scenario."

Neighboring North Carolina also declared a state of emergency, and Georgia announced a state of emergency for 12 counties.

Orlando International Airport was to protectively halt commercial flights at 2:00 am (0600 GMT) Monday, and Florida's NASA Kennedy Space Center said it was moving an enormous mobile rocket launcher inside to protect it. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hurricane Dorian blasted the northern Bahamas as a monster Category 5 storm on Sunday, pummeling the low-lying island chain with torrential rains and winds of a violence unprecedented in its history.

Hurricane Dorian blasted the northern Bahamas as a monster Category 5 storm on Sunday, pummeling the low-lying island chain with torrential rains and winds of a violence unprecedented in its history. Packing winds of 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour), Dorian made landfall twice in the Bahamas' Abaco Islands, and was tied for the second most powerful hurricane ever in the Atlantic basin, the National Weather Service said. Footage posted on social media showed major destruction. There was no immediate word on casualties. Parts of the Abaco Islands were reported to be under water as forecasters warned it was facing a towering 18 to 23 foot storm surge. Winds were gusting over 220 mph, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Video posted on the website of the Bahamian newspaper Tribune 242 showed water up to the roofs of wooden houses in what appeared to be a coastal town. Capsized boats floated in muddy brown water dotted with wooden boards, tree branches and other debris. In other social media footage of what appears to be an inland area, cars were smashed or turned over, telephone poles and trees were snapped like twigs and debris filled the yards of severely damaged homes. AFP could not immediately confirm the authenticity of any of this footage. Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis broke down in tears as he addressed a news conference, calling it "probably the most sad and worst day of my life," the Nassau Guardian reported. "We're facing a hurricane... one that we've never seen in the history of the Bahamas," he said. Footage shot in Cooper's Town, Abaco and obtained by AFP showed waves crashing violently onshore, sending up huge clouds of spray along the coastline. Local radio reported that people were calling for help after winds blew the roof off the Island Breezes Hotel in Marsh Harbour, a commercial hub in the Abacos. "Things are really starting to rock and roll," a post on the Facebook page of the Hope Town Bulletin in Abacos said at 10:00 am local time. As of 2200 GMT, the storm was 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama and moving slowly west. In Grand Bahama, thousands have evacuated to get out of Dorian's predicted path. "It feels like we are standing in a line waiting for a beating," Yasmin Rigby, a resident of Freeport, the island's main city, told AFP. Watch: Weather expert on Hurricane Dorian × - Strongest storm to hit Bahamas - The NHC said Dorian had become "the strongest hurricane in modern records for the northwestern Bahamas." Describing "catastrophic" conditions in the Abacos Islands, it said the storm was "heading with all its fury towards Grand Bahama," where it was expected Sunday night into Monday. NHC director Ken Graham on Facebook Live said the Bahamas would be under major hurricane conditions for a punishing 30 hours or more. "That's major hurricane winds, that's storm surge of 10 and even 20 feet in some of those areas," he said. "That's also torrential rainfall of 15 to 20 inches, isolated 30 inches." In Washington, US President Donald Trump met with his emergency management chiefs and declared "this looks monstrous." "We expect that much of the eastern seaboard will be ultimately impacted and some of it very, very severely," he said. Tropical storm warnings were in effect for parts of the Florida coast, and residents up and down the Atlantic coast braced for a brush with danger. Florida issued its first evacuation orders in parts of Palm Beach, home of Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and Martin Counties. 'Very great danger' Kevin McAleenan, acting homeland security secretary, said hurricane force winds could hit Florida, followed by a prolonged rain event combined with a storm surge. "That's going to be very difficult as the storm starts to move northward, mostly like, up the coast of Florida and toward Georgia and South Carolina," he said on ABC's "This Week." While Miami appeared likely to be largely spared, 30-year-old David Duque, picking up sandbags there on Saturday, noted that "everything could change... I know it could be a scare, but better prepare instead of doing nothing." The Florida National Guard said roughly 2,000 service members had been mobilized, with another 2,000 poised to join them. 'Absolute monster' Trump has declared a federal state of emergency in Florida, authorizing US assistance to supplement state and local efforts. Following a similar state order in Florida, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Saturday, saying, "Given the strength and unpredictability of the storm, we must prepare for every possible scenario." Neighboring North Carolina also declared a state of emergency, and Georgia announced a state of emergency for 12 counties. Orlando International Airport was to protectively halt commercial flights at 2:00 am (0600 GMT) Monday, and Florida's NASA Kennedy Space Center said it was moving an enormous mobile rocket launcher inside to protect it.

'Catastrophic' Dorian strikes Bahamas with full fury

Dorian became the strongest storm in modern records to hit the northwestern Bahamas. International Space Station captured images of Hurricane Dorian as it churned in the Atlantic Ocean. Watch this video to know more.

Hurricane Dorian slams hard on the Bahamas, Dramatic images from Space

Hurricane Dorian punched northwest on Saturday to threaten Georgia and the Carolinas, possibly sparing Florida a direct hit, as the Bahamas braced for catastrophic waves and wind from the muscular category 4 storm.

Florida towns told residents to remain vigilant despite forecasts they might dodge a Dorian landfall, as a tropical storm watch was issued for the state's south Atlantic coast.

Communities in northeast Florida, Georgia and South Carolina raised alert levels, with residents filling sandbags as authorities tested infrastructure and hurricane drills. South Carolina on Saturday joined Georgia, North Carolina and Florida in declaring a state of emergency.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis begged residents of Abaco and Grand Bahamas to head for the main island to escape the "devastating, dangerous" storm.

"I want you to remember: homes, houses, structures can be replaced. Lives cannot be replaced," Minnis told a news conference, adding that 73,000 people and 21,000 homes were at risk to storm surges of up to 15 feet (4.6 meters).

At 5 p.m. ET (2100 GMT)The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 kph) and would hit the Bahamas on Sunday with more than two feet of rainfall in places, threatening deadly flash floods.

Dorian could then veer northwest and possibly remain at sea as it moved up the US eastern seaboard late on Monday through Tuesday, the NHC said.

A tropical storm watch was issued for a more than 120-mile stretch (193 km) of Florida coast from Deerfield Beach to around Palm Bay, meaning sustained winds of up to 73 mph (117 kmh)were possible within 48 hours.

North Carolina authorities warned residents Dorian was heading their way, while counterparts in Florida told towns to remain alert.

"While obviously for us it's a better forecast, we can't assume that there's not going to be hazardous weather," said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.

Bahamas on Sunday

Central Florida towns urged residents to remain alert after past hurricanes like 1992's Andrew slammed the Bahamas and then barreled straight into the peninsula's southeast coast.

"Don't start taking down your shutters, don't start disassembling your emergency plan," said Eric Flowers, a spokesman for the sheriff's office in Indian River County.

On Tybee Island, a Georgia coastal barrier island, authorities put out sand for sandbags to protect against possible flooding in the marshy area.

"Our biggest concern is storm surge because the tides are really high right now," said the manager of a local restaurant, who asked not be named as he was not authorized to speak to media.

Further north, Dorchester County in South Carolina raised its alert level to make sure infrastructure and public safety crews were ready for the hurricane in the area near the historic city of Charleston.

North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEMA) said the storm was forecast to keep moving in the state's direction for the next 48 hours.

“Now is the time to prepare and assemble disaster supplies," said Katie Webster, an NCEMA meteorologist, urging people to prepare a week's supply of food and water. 
&nbsp;

Hurricane Dorian punched northwest on Saturday to threaten Georgia and the Carolinas, possibly sparing Florida a direct hit, as the Bahamas braced for catastrophic waves and wind from the muscular category 4 storm.

Hurricane Dorian punched northwest on Saturday to threaten Georgia and the Carolinas, possibly sparing Florida a direct hit, as the Bahamas braced for catastrophic waves and wind from the muscular category 4 storm. Florida towns told residents to remain vigilant despite forecasts they might dodge a Dorian landfall, as a tropical storm watch was issued for the state's south Atlantic coast. Communities in northeast Florida, Georgia and South Carolina raised alert levels, with residents filling sandbags as authorities tested infrastructure and hurricane drills. South Carolina on Saturday joined Georgia, North Carolina and Florida in declaring a state of emergency. Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis begged residents of Abaco and Grand Bahamas to head for the main island to escape the "devastating, dangerous" storm. "I want you to remember: homes, houses, structures can be replaced. Lives cannot be replaced," Minnis told a news conference, adding that 73,000 people and 21,000 homes were at risk to storm surges of up to 15 feet (4.6 meters). At 5 p.m. ET (2100 GMT)The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 kph) and would hit the Bahamas on Sunday with more than two feet of rainfall in places, threatening deadly flash floods. Dorian could then veer northwest and possibly remain at sea as it moved up the US eastern seaboard late on Monday through Tuesday, the NHC said. A tropical storm watch was issued for a more than 120-mile stretch (193 km) of Florida coast from Deerfield Beach to around Palm Bay, meaning sustained winds of up to 73 mph (117 kmh)were possible within 48 hours. North Carolina authorities warned residents Dorian was heading their way, while counterparts in Florida told towns to remain alert. "While obviously for us it's a better forecast, we can't assume that there's not going to be hazardous weather," said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. Bahamas on Sunday Central Florida towns urged residents to remain alert after past hurricanes like 1992's Andrew slammed the Bahamas and then barreled straight into the peninsula's southeast coast. "Don't start taking down your shutters, don't start disassembling your emergency plan," said Eric Flowers, a spokesman for the sheriff's office in Indian River County. On Tybee Island, a Georgia coastal barrier island, authorities put out sand for sandbags to protect against possible flooding in the marshy area. "Our biggest concern is storm surge because the tides are really high right now," said the manager of a local restaurant, who asked not be named as he was not authorized to speak to media. Further north, Dorchester County in South Carolina raised its alert level to make sure infrastructure and public safety crews were ready for the hurricane in the area near the historic city of Charleston. North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEMA) said the storm was forecast to keep moving in the state's direction for the next 48 hours. “Now is the time to prepare and assemble disaster supplies," said Katie Webster, an NCEMA meteorologist, urging people to prepare a week's supply of food and water.

Dorian to hit Bahamas as 'devastating' hurricane, then menace Georgia and Carolinas

Hurricane Dorian spun west across the Atlantic ocean toward Florida on Saturday after growing into an even stronger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-strengthens-to-category-4-storm-us-forecaster-246755">Category 4 stor</a>m as residents and visitors hunkered down in one of America's most popular tourist destinations.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said there had been a "notable change" since Friday night, with the latest forecasts showing the eye of the storm could veer north and stay out at sea.

But it warned that its course remained unpredictable. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-emergency-in-florida-as-hurricane-dorian-approaches-white-house-246736">Dorian still poses a threat to millions of people</a>, as well as holiday attractions such as Walt Disney World, the NASA launchpads along the Space Coast, and even President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

The NHC said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 kph) and was expected to pass north of the southeastern and central Bahamas on Saturday and be near Florida's east coast late on Monday.

"While some fluctuations in intensity are possible, Dorian is expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next few days," the NHC said in a statement on Saturday.

On Florida's east coast, where Dorian's winds are expected to quickly gather speed on Monday, residents bought bottled water, plywood and other supplies as fast as they could be restocked on Friday. Some gas stations ran out of fuel.

"They're buying everything and anything that applies to a hurricane, flashlights, batteries, generators," said Amber Hunter, 30, assistant manager at Cape Canaveral's ACE Handiman hardware store.

Tourists scrambled to leave the Bahamas on Friday as Dorian approached its northwestern islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, eager to take off before the international airport shut down at 10 pm

'Really worried'

The NHC urged Florida residents to remain on alert.

"It should be noted that the new forecast track does not preclude Dorian making landfall on the Florida coast, as large portions of the coast remain in the track cone of uncertainty," the center cautioned on Saturday.

Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik was taking no chances, putting up storm shutters on his Florida home on Friday afternoon and worrying about the flooding Dorian could unleash on his barrier island town.

"It's slowed down, we're looking at a multiple-day event, we were hoping it would just barrel through and leave," Malik said of forecasts that Dorian could sit over Florida for up to two days, dumping up to 18 inches (46 cm) of water.

"I'm really worried about the amount of rain we'll be getting."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to have in reserve at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine.

Trump told reporters before leaving for Camp David for the weekend: "We're thinking about Florida evacuations, but it's a little bit too soon. We'll probably make that determination on Sunday."

But Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson on Friday urged its 46,000 residents who planned to evacuate not to delay.

"It's decision time now. Don't wait until I-95 north and I-75 north and the turnpike are parking lots," said Hudson, who experienced two devastating hurricanes in 2004.

Two thousand National Guard troops were mobilised on Friday, and 2,000 more were due to be joining them on Saturday. Florida officials also were making sure that all nursing homes and assisted living facilities had generators.

Hurricane Dorian spun west across the Atlantic ocean toward Florida on Saturday after growing into an even stronger Category 4 storm as residents and visitors hunkered down in one of America's most popular tourist destinations.

Hurricane Dorian spun west across the Atlantic ocean toward Florida on Saturday after growing into an even stronger Category 4 storm as residents and visitors hunkered down in one of America's most popular tourist destinations. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said there had been a "notable change" since Friday night, with the latest forecasts showing the eye of the storm could veer north and stay out at sea. But it warned that its course remained unpredictable. Dorian still poses a threat to millions of people, as well as holiday attractions such as Walt Disney World, the NASA launchpads along the Space Coast, and even President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. The NHC said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 kph) and was expected to pass north of the southeastern and central Bahamas on Saturday and be near Florida's east coast late on Monday. "While some fluctuations in intensity are possible, Dorian is expected to remain a powerful hurricane during the next few days," the NHC said in a statement on Saturday. On Florida's east coast, where Dorian's winds are expected to quickly gather speed on Monday, residents bought bottled water, plywood and other supplies as fast as they could be restocked on Friday. Some gas stations ran out of fuel. "They're buying everything and anything that applies to a hurricane, flashlights, batteries, generators," said Amber Hunter, 30, assistant manager at Cape Canaveral's ACE Handiman hardware store. Tourists scrambled to leave the Bahamas on Friday as Dorian approached its northwestern islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, eager to take off before the international airport shut down at 10 pm 'Really worried' The NHC urged Florida residents to remain on alert. "It should be noted that the new forecast track does not preclude Dorian making landfall on the Florida coast, as large portions of the coast remain in the track cone of uncertainty," the center cautioned on Saturday. Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik was taking no chances, putting up storm shutters on his Florida home on Friday afternoon and worrying about the flooding Dorian could unleash on his barrier island town. "It's slowed down, we're looking at a multiple-day event, we were hoping it would just barrel through and leave," Malik said of forecasts that Dorian could sit over Florida for up to two days, dumping up to 18 inches (46 cm) of water. "I'm really worried about the amount of rain we'll be getting." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to have in reserve at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine. Trump told reporters before leaving for Camp David for the weekend: "We're thinking about Florida evacuations, but it's a little bit too soon. We'll probably make that determination on Sunday." But Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson on Friday urged its 46,000 residents who planned to evacuate not to delay. "It's decision time now. Don't wait until I-95 north and I-75 north and the turnpike are parking lots," said Hudson, who experienced two devastating hurricanes in 2004. Two thousand National Guard troops were mobilised on Friday, and 2,000 more were due to be joining them on Saturday. Florida officials also were making sure that all nursing homes and assisted living facilities had generators.

Dorian churns toward Florida as dangerous category 4 hurricane

Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week.

The slow march and rising intensity of the storm, which is moving in a northwestern direction to the Bahamas, has alarmed forecasters who worry parts of Florida will be walloped by strong winds, a storm surge and heavy rain for an extended period.

"I think there’s a pretty high degree of certainty that this is going to be a major hurricane," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a news conference from the state emergency operations centre in Tallahassee. He said residents should prepare for a "multiday event."

Florida is under a declaration of emergency, and DeSantis has activated 2,500 National Guard troops, with another 1,500 on standby. No evacuations were ordered as of early Friday, but many were expected as the storm's path becomes clearer.

Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in 12 counties of neighbouring Georgia to assist with storm readiness, response and recovery.

Dorian began on Friday over the Atlantic as a Category 2 hurricane but was expected to be classified a Category 3 later in the day. It had maximum sustained winds near 110 miles per hour (175 km per hour), the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT).

Forecasters predicted the storm would grow more ferocious as it gained fuel from the warm waters off Florida and be near the state's peninsula late on Monday.

The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the northwestern Bahamas.

If, as expected, the storm reaches Category 4 over the weekend, its winds will blow at more than 130 mph (210 kph). There was a concern it could slow from its current 12-mph (9-kph) march across the map, giving it more time to intensify.

Recent NHC weather models show Dorian smacking into the centre of Florida.

The storm could roll inland toward Orlando on Tuesday or early Wednesday. Other NHC weather models show it tracking south toward Miami before hitting the peninsula, or heading north to the Georgia coast.

Along with the dangerous winds, the storm was expected to drop 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of rain on the coastal United States. "This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," NHC forecasters said.

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled a planned weekend trip to Poland, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, so he can make sure resources are properly directed for the storm.

"Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water were being shipped to Florida.

Dorian could churn across dozens of launchpads owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Air Force and companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin.

Fuel, nursing homes

Some gas stations in Florida have run dry and others have long lines of cars, DeSantis said, adding that the state had eased regulations to allow higher-capacity trucks to transport fuel and to make it easier to bring in fuel from other states.

Gasoline prices at the pump are not expected to spike because of the storm, said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com.

"This is not going to be a pricing event," DeHaan said. "There are no refiners in Florida, there’s only a pipeline, and I can’t imagine that would be affected significantly. Fuel is flowing, and that’s the most important factor.”

Colonial Pipeline, which delivers fuels such as gasoline and diesel from the Gulf Coast to markets across the southern and eastern United States, said it was operating normally. It had no plans to shut down ahead of Dorian's projected landfall.

Florida officials also were making sure all nursing homes and assisted living facilities had generators, and were checking with 107 facilities where information about generators was uncertain.

Earlier this week, police in Hollywood, Florida, charged four nursing home caregivers with causing the deaths of 12 patients who died in the sweltering heat of a post-hurricane power outage left by Hurricane Irma two years ago.

Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week.

Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week. The slow march and rising intensity of the storm, which is moving in a northwestern direction to the Bahamas, has alarmed forecasters who worry parts of Florida will be walloped by strong winds, a storm surge and heavy rain for an extended period. "I think there’s a pretty high degree of certainty that this is going to be a major hurricane," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a news conference from the state emergency operations centre in Tallahassee. He said residents should prepare for a "multiday event." Florida is under a declaration of emergency, and DeSantis has activated 2,500 National Guard troops, with another 1,500 on standby. No evacuations were ordered as of early Friday, but many were expected as the storm's path becomes clearer. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in 12 counties of neighbouring Georgia to assist with storm readiness, response and recovery. Dorian began on Friday over the Atlantic as a Category 2 hurricane but was expected to be classified a Category 3 later in the day. It had maximum sustained winds near 110 miles per hour (175 km per hour), the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT). Forecasters predicted the storm would grow more ferocious as it gained fuel from the warm waters off Florida and be near the state's peninsula late on Monday. The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the northwestern Bahamas. If, as expected, the storm reaches Category 4 over the weekend, its winds will blow at more than 130 mph (210 kph). There was a concern it could slow from its current 12-mph (9-kph) march across the map, giving it more time to intensify. Recent NHC weather models show Dorian smacking into the centre of Florida. The storm could roll inland toward Orlando on Tuesday or early Wednesday. Other NHC weather models show it tracking south toward Miami before hitting the peninsula, or heading north to the Georgia coast. Along with the dangerous winds, the storm was expected to drop 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of rain on the coastal United States. "This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," NHC forecasters said. President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled a planned weekend trip to Poland, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, so he can make sure resources are properly directed for the storm. "Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water were being shipped to Florida. Dorian could churn across dozens of launchpads owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Air Force and companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. Fuel, nursing homes Some gas stations in Florida have run dry and others have long lines of cars, DeSantis said, adding that the state had eased regulations to allow higher-capacity trucks to transport fuel and to make it easier to bring in fuel from other states. Gasoline prices at the pump are not expected to spike because of the storm, said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com. "This is not going to be a pricing event," DeHaan said. "There are no refiners in Florida, there’s only a pipeline, and I can’t imagine that would be affected significantly. Fuel is flowing, and that’s the most important factor.” Colonial Pipeline, which delivers fuels such as gasoline and diesel from the Gulf Coast to markets across the southern and eastern United States, said it was operating normally. It had no plans to shut down ahead of Dorian's projected landfall. Florida officials also were making sure all nursing homes and assisted living facilities had generators, and were checking with 107 facilities where information about generators was uncertain. Earlier this week, police in Hollywood, Florida, charged four nursing home caregivers with causing the deaths of 12 patients who died in the sweltering heat of a post-hurricane power outage left by Hurricane Irma two years ago.

Florida residents told to stock up on food, water as hurricane Dorian nears

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 30th, 2019

Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen into a dangerous Category 3 storm on Friday with winds of at least 111 mph (178 km/h) as it heads towards Florida's Atlantic coast.

Dorian is forecast to swell later into a powerful Category 4 storm with violent winds topping 130 mph (210 km/h) before it makes landfall on Labor Day.

The entire state of Florida is under a declaration of emergency and Governor Ron DeSantis activated 2,500 National Guard troops with another 1,500 on standby.

No evacuations were ordered as of early Friday, but many are expected as the storm's path become clearer before it makes landfall on Monday.

Dorian was a Category 2 storm early on Friday with winds of 105 mph and its 12 mph (9 kph) trajectory could slow down allowing it to crawl across the warm coastal waters, a recipe for storm fuel.

It is expected to become a Category 4 by Monday on the 5-step Saffir-Simpson scale for measuring hurricane intensity.

Recent weather models from the National Hurricane Center show it smacking into the center of the state.

And then it is expected roll inland to Orlando on Tuesday, as it weakens into a Category 1 storm with maximum winds of 95 mph (177 km/h).

Other NHC weather models show the storm tracking south toward Miami in south Florida before it hits the peninsula, or heading north to the Georgia coast.

With the dangerous winds, the storm is expected to drop 5-to-10 inches of rain on the state with some areas getting as much as 15 inches.

"This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," forecasters said.

US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip to Poland, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, so he can make sure federal resources are properly directed for the storm.

"Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water was being shipped to Florida.

DeSantis said that Floridians need to take the storm seriously.

"Hurricane #Dorian is moving slowly &amp; gaining strength," DeSantis wrote on Twitter. "Now is the time to get prepared &amp; have a plan."

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in 12 counties to assist with storm readiness, response and recovery.

It was unclear if Florida's famed theme parks including Disney World would close, as they have done during previous hurricanes, such as Irma in 2017.

But Harris Rosen, owner of the Central Florida hotel chain Rosen Hotels and Resorts, is offering discount rates at 8 hotels for people and their pets who flee the coast to Orlando, the company announced on its website.

'Not looking good'

Angela Johnson, a 39-year-old bar manager in South Florida, said: "We're worried. This is not looking good for us."

"We woke up a lot more scared than we went to bed last night, and the news is not getting any better," said Johnson, who manages Coconuts On The Beach, a bar and restaurant on the surfing beach in the town of Cocoa Beach.

Officials were making piles of sand available for Cocoa Beach residents to fill sandbags starting on Friday.

Dorian could churn across dozens of launchpads owned by NASA, the US&nbsp;Air Force and companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin.

The Miami-based NHC said hurricane watches could be issued for portions of the Bahamas on Friday and the risk of "devastating hurricane-force winds along the Florida east coast late this weekend and early next week continues to increase."

Tropical storm-force winds could be felt in parts of the state as early as Saturday evening.

Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen into a dangerous Category 3 storm on Friday with winds of at least 111 mph (178 km/h) as it heads towards Florida's Atlantic coast.

Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen into a dangerous Category 3 storm on Friday with winds of at least 111 mph (178 km/h) as it heads towards Florida's Atlantic coast. Dorian is forecast to swell later into a powerful Category 4 storm with violent winds topping 130 mph (210 km/h) before it makes landfall on Labor Day. The entire state of Florida is under a declaration of emergency and Governor Ron DeSantis activated 2,500 National Guard troops with another 1,500 on standby. No evacuations were ordered as of early Friday, but many are expected as the storm's path become clearer before it makes landfall on Monday. Dorian was a Category 2 storm early on Friday with winds of 105 mph and its 12 mph (9 kph) trajectory could slow down allowing it to crawl across the warm coastal waters, a recipe for storm fuel. It is expected to become a Category 4 by Monday on the 5-step Saffir-Simpson scale for measuring hurricane intensity. Recent weather models from the National Hurricane Center show it smacking into the center of the state. And then it is expected roll inland to Orlando on Tuesday, as it weakens into a Category 1 storm with maximum winds of 95 mph (177 km/h). Other NHC weather models show the storm tracking south toward Miami in south Florida before it hits the peninsula, or heading north to the Georgia coast. With the dangerous winds, the storm is expected to drop 5-to-10 inches of rain on the state with some areas getting as much as 15 inches. "This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," forecasters said. US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip to Poland, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, so he can make sure federal resources are properly directed for the storm. "Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water was being shipped to Florida. DeSantis said that Floridians need to take the storm seriously. "Hurricane #Dorian is moving slowly & gaining strength," DeSantis wrote on Twitter. "Now is the time to get prepared & have a plan." Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in 12 counties to assist with storm readiness, response and recovery. It was unclear if Florida's famed theme parks including Disney World would close, as they have done during previous hurricanes, such as Irma in 2017. But Harris Rosen, owner of the Central Florida hotel chain Rosen Hotels and Resorts, is offering discount rates at 8 hotels for people and their pets who flee the coast to Orlando, the company announced on its website. 'Not looking good' Angela Johnson, a 39-year-old bar manager in South Florida, said: "We're worried. This is not looking good for us." "We woke up a lot more scared than we went to bed last night, and the news is not getting any better," said Johnson, who manages Coconuts On The Beach, a bar and restaurant on the surfing beach in the town of Cocoa Beach. Officials were making piles of sand available for Cocoa Beach residents to fill sandbags starting on Friday. Dorian could churn across dozens of launchpads owned by NASA, the US Air Force and companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. The Miami-based NHC said hurricane watches could be issued for portions of the Bahamas on Friday and the risk of "devastating hurricane-force winds along the Florida east coast late this weekend and early next week continues to increase." Tropical storm-force winds could be felt in parts of the state as early as Saturday evening.

Hurricane Dorian gains strength as Florida braces for direct hit

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 14th, 2019

Tropical <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/life-threatening-tropical-storm-barry-grinds-toward-louisiana-235408&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqt4CY5bHjAhUKO3AKHTmWCuYQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3enmOBvnyahBlPshYI5VEE">Storm Barry</a>, poised to make landfall as the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019, churned ever closer to Louisiana's shore early on Saturday as most New Orleans residents huddled at home, or in bars, bracing for the threat of severe flooding.

Authorities urged citizens to secure property, stock up provisions and shelter in place. However, some nervous residents opted to flee the city, and tourism officials reported an abrupt exodus of out-of-town visitors on Friday.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered in outlying coastal areas beyond the protection of levees in neighbouring Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes south of the city.

The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour (100 kph), was on track to reach hurricane strength shortly before crossing the Louisiana coastline southwest of New Orleans on Saturday, the National Weather Service said.

Landfall predictions were pushed back from sunrise to late morning or early afternoon, as the storm crawled across the Gulf Coast at about 3 mph, forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said early Saturday.

Rain bands were already hitting the coast before sunrise, and more than 56,000 homes and businesses in Louisiana were without power, according to tracking site PowerOutage.us.

Meteorologists warned that torrential rain - as much as 2 feet (60 cm) in some places - could unleash severe flooding as the storm moves inland from the Gulf of Mexico, where oil and gas operations have already cut production by nearly 60 per cent.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-orleans-braces-for-flooding-trump-declares-emergency-ahead-of-storm-barry-235308&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJkMm_5bHjAhXLdXAKHZ-LCuwQFjAFegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1wf734-7VGa_HjR097sZt5">US President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for Louisiana</a> on Friday, freeing up federal disaster assistance if needed.

The impending storm could test beefed-up flood defences put in place since the 2005 calamity of Hurricane Katrina, which left much of New Orleans underwater and killed about 1,800 people.

Too much water

The brunt of Barry's force was expected to skirt the western edge of New Orleans, avoiding a direct hit on a low-lying city virtually surrounded on all sides by rising waters.

But Mayor LaToya Cantrell said 48 hours of heavy downpours could overwhelm pumps designed to purge streets and storm drains of excess water.

"There is no system in the world that can handle that amount of rainfall in such a short period," Cantrell said on Twitter.

Authorities were paying especially close attention to the levee system built to contain the lower Mississippi River, which winds through the heart of New Orleans and was already above flood stage from months of heavy upstream rainfall over the Midwest.

A coastal storm surge into the mouth of the Mississippi was expected to push its crest to 19 feet (5.79 m) in New Orleans on Saturday, the highest level since 1950 and dangerously close to the top of the city's levees.

New Orleans was already saturated after thunderstorms drenched it with a foot of rain on Wednesday.

While street flooding seemed probable, the US&nbsp;Army Corps of Engineers insisted that significant breaching of the 20-foot-tall levees in New Orleans was unlikely.

Levee floodgates normally left open to allow passage of traffic were being closed, along with a giant ocean surge barrier erected after Katrina.

The level of Lake Pontchartrain, an estuary on the city's northern flank, rose by 3 feet on Friday, triggering the closure of a floodgate on a drainage canal that breached during Katrina, officials said.

Ahead of the storm, New Orleans residents flocked to supermarkets for bottled water, ice, snacks and beer, thronging grocery stores in such numbers that some ran out of shopping carts.

Across the city, motorists left cars parked on the raised median strips of roadways, hoping the extra elevation would protect them from flood damage. Sandbags were stacked outside of hotels, shops and other businesses along Canal Street.

The sheriff's office said dozens of jail inmates held on minor charges were released to make room for nearly 70 inmates transferred from a temporary lockup to the main detention facility, which was built to withstand a major hurricane.

City residents were asked to remain indoors after 8 p.m. but some, in keeping with New Orleans' party spirit, decided to hunker down in more festive surroundings.

"The rain's not going to shut us down, we're going to shut this place down," said Brett Tidball, 33, who gathered with eight friends at Bourbon Street bar for his bachelor party, asking the pianist for back-to-back songs about bad weather.

Prince's "Purple Rain" echoed down the street.

Tropical Storm Barry, poised to make landfall as the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019, churned ever closer to Louisiana's shore early on Saturday as most New Orleans residents huddled at home, or in bars, bracing for the threat of severe flooding.

Tropical Storm Barry, poised to make landfall as the first Atlantic hurricane of 2019, churned ever closer to Louisiana's shore early on Saturday as most New Orleans residents huddled at home, or in bars, bracing for the threat of severe flooding. Authorities urged citizens to secure property, stock up provisions and shelter in place. However, some nervous residents opted to flee the city, and tourism officials reported an abrupt exodus of out-of-town visitors on Friday. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in outlying coastal areas beyond the protection of levees in neighbouring Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes south of the city. The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour (100 kph), was on track to reach hurricane strength shortly before crossing the Louisiana coastline southwest of New Orleans on Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Landfall predictions were pushed back from sunrise to late morning or early afternoon, as the storm crawled across the Gulf Coast at about 3 mph, forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said early Saturday. Rain bands were already hitting the coast before sunrise, and more than 56,000 homes and businesses in Louisiana were without power, according to tracking site PowerOutage.us. Meteorologists warned that torrential rain - as much as 2 feet (60 cm) in some places - could unleash severe flooding as the storm moves inland from the Gulf of Mexico, where oil and gas operations have already cut production by nearly 60 per cent. US President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for Louisiana on Friday, freeing up federal disaster assistance if needed. The impending storm could test beefed-up flood defences put in place since the 2005 calamity of Hurricane Katrina, which left much of New Orleans underwater and killed about 1,800 people. Too much water The brunt of Barry's force was expected to skirt the western edge of New Orleans, avoiding a direct hit on a low-lying city virtually surrounded on all sides by rising waters. But Mayor LaToya Cantrell said 48 hours of heavy downpours could overwhelm pumps designed to purge streets and storm drains of excess water. "There is no system in the world that can handle that amount of rainfall in such a short period," Cantrell said on Twitter. Authorities were paying especially close attention to the levee system built to contain the lower Mississippi River, which winds through the heart of New Orleans and was already above flood stage from months of heavy upstream rainfall over the Midwest. A coastal storm surge into the mouth of the Mississippi was expected to push its crest to 19 feet (5.79 m) in New Orleans on Saturday, the highest level since 1950 and dangerously close to the top of the city's levees. New Orleans was already saturated after thunderstorms drenched it with a foot of rain on Wednesday. While street flooding seemed probable, the US Army Corps of Engineers insisted that significant breaching of the 20-foot-tall levees in New Orleans was unlikely. Levee floodgates normally left open to allow passage of traffic were being closed, along with a giant ocean surge barrier erected after Katrina. The level of Lake Pontchartrain, an estuary on the city's northern flank, rose by 3 feet on Friday, triggering the closure of a floodgate on a drainage canal that breached during Katrina, officials said. Ahead of the storm, New Orleans residents flocked to supermarkets for bottled water, ice, snacks and beer, thronging grocery stores in such numbers that some ran out of shopping carts. Across the city, motorists left cars parked on the raised median strips of roadways, hoping the extra elevation would protect them from flood damage. Sandbags were stacked outside of hotels, shops and other businesses along Canal Street. The sheriff's office said dozens of jail inmates held on minor charges were released to make room for nearly 70 inmates transferred from a temporary lockup to the main detention facility, which was built to withstand a major hurricane. City residents were asked to remain indoors after 8 p.m. but some, in keeping with New Orleans' party spirit, decided to hunker down in more festive surroundings. "The rain's not going to shut us down, we're going to shut this place down," said Brett Tidball, 33, who gathered with eight friends at Bourbon Street bar for his bachelor party, asking the pianist for back-to-back songs about bad weather. Prince's "Purple Rain" echoed down the street.

New Orleans residents huddle at home, and in bars, ahead of hurricane

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