The U.S. National Hurricane Center is warning that Hurricane Dorian could grow to a massive Category 3 storm by Sunday night and will likely blast the east coast of Florida before moving inland.
The hurricane did relatively little damage to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands this week, but now has moved over open water where it will likely strengthen over the open water.
"Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night," President Donald J. Trump tweeted.
"Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!" he added.
Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night. Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2019
The Associated Press reports that "the storm could have winds of 125 mph (200 kph) by the time it reaches the mainland." Florida's governor Ron De Santis "declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared."
As Hurricane #Dorian approaches, I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared. Please continue to follow local reports and @FLSERT for updates. https://t.co/FyQM6wd8er
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 28, 2019
He also said that he spoke with the president, who assured him the state would have the full support of the federal government in its recovery.
Spoke with @realDonaldTrump @POTUS tonight at 8:45 pm to give him an update on #HurricaneDorian and he reassured me that #Florida has the full support of the federal government as residents prepare for the storm.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 29, 2019