ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for counties in the path of Hurricane Dorian.
"I've declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared," DeSantis said in a tweet.
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As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, the eye of Hurricane Dorian was 45 miles northwest of St. Thomas and traveling northwest at 14 mph with sustained winds of 80 mph.
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
That update shows Dorian weakening from a Category 3 when it hits Florida to a Category 2 by the time it makes its way to Orlando on Monday afternoon.
The 11 a.m. update showed the storm trending farther south making landfall near Cape Canaveral as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph. The storm also shifted slightly farther south with the 5 p.m. update.
"It's important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely. Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster. I will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian closely with emergency management officials. The state stands ready to support all counties along the coast as they prepare," DeSantis said.