After meandering slowly off of the southeast coast of the United States for the last few days, Hurricane Dorian is finally on the move, but is currently affecting the states of North and South Carolina. The formidable Category 2 storm is unleashing it’s fury in the form of flooding rains, high winds, coastal flooding, and even tornadoes as it churns dangerously close to the shoreline. Several thousand people are now without power across both states, while many roads are closed due to the flooding.
With winds of 100mph(160kph), it is still very possible that Dorian may make a landfall in the early morning hours of Friday along the coast of North Carolina. Residents of that state have been urged to shelter in place by Governor Roy Cooper. Several short-lived, but destructive tornadoes have touched down across the Carolinas. Tornadoes are fairly common within tropical systems, and usually strike without warning. Up to 9 inches(226mm) of rain has already fallen in certain locations, with up to 15 inches(381) possible in isolated spots. Widespread coastal flooding has been observed up and down the coasts of both states, and will continue to be a threat, with some areas seeing a water level rise of up to 8ft(2.4m). A gust of 98mph(157kph) was reported along the South Carolina coast earlier today
Meanwhile in The Bahamas, Bahamians are trying to piece their lives back together, as a massive cleanup and recovery is underway. Amidst the pummeled remains of homes and neighborhoods, search crews and residents alike are searching for people who remain unaccounted for. The death toll has already risen to 30, and officials predict that the number is likely to soar once everything is said and done. Dorian hovered over the northern Bahamas for two days, with punishing winds, torrential rains, and deadly storm surge. It is one of the slowest moving storms ever recorded.
