Hurricane Dorian Florida latest: Terrifying satellite footage puts experts on alert | World | News


Hurricane Dorian Florida latest: Terrifying satellite footage puts experts on alert | World | News

Florida is bracing itself for a “catastrophe” as Hurricane Dorian barrels towards the US coastline. Dorian was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane on Friday, as officials described it as “extremely dangerous”. This comes after terrifying satellite footage sparked alarm among experts, after they noticed a flurry of lightning flashes inside the hurricane.

The satellite footage, recorded by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), shows flashes of brightness from lightning strikes within the hurricane as it approaches Florida.

Dakota Smith, a meteorologist and scientist at the NCAR, warned that the lightning flashes meant the hurricane could be about to get worse.

He claimed the lightning predicted a “strengthening” of hurricane winds.

US President Donald Trump has described Dorian as a “absolute monster storm”.

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On Friday Mr Trump declared a state of emergency in Florida and authorised the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster-relief efforts.

There are fears that Dorian could prove to be the most powerful hurricane to hit Florida’s east coast in nearly 30 years.

The hurricane has already breached winds of 140mph and scientists fear it could strengthen before it sweeps across mainland America.

Current estimates from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) predict landfall by Monday.

FEMA official Jeff Byard said Dorian is likely to “create a lot of havoc” for roads, power and other infrastructure.

University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy added: ““If it makes landfall as a category 3 or 4 hurricane, that’s a big deal. A lot of people are going to be affected.”

Florida Mayor Ron DeSantis acknowledged widespread fuel shortages across the state as residents formed long lines at petrol stations, supermarkets and hardware stores.

Officials advised residents to stockpile canned food, water and other supplies and to refill essential prescriptions.


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