ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Dorian remains on a projected path toward Central Florida, where it could slam the coast with sustained winds of 130 mph as a Category 4 storm.
As of Thursday night, Dorian was a Category 2 hurricane packing 105 mph winds and was located about 580 miles east of the Northwestern Bahamas moving northwest at 12 mph. There are no watches of warnings in effect in the Bahamas or anywhere else yet.
Strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and Dorian is expected to become a major Category 3 hurricane Saturday then reach Category 4 status on Sunday before it potentially reaches Florida's east coast Monday morning.
The latest track shows Dorian's eye approaching Florida early Monday morning.
On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis assured Floridians that the state is taking every precaution and putting resources in place so officials are ready to respond as soon as possible after the storm. With a weather event this significant, it's important to note that many residents will lose power.
He urged people across the state to prepare now before it's too late.
"The time to act is now," he said.
He stressed the importance of having enough food, water, medications and other essential supplies to last at least seven days.
The entire state of Florida is under a state of emergency.
Hurricane season runs through November, with Sept. 10 marking the peak.
The next named storm will be called Fernand.
Land hazards
Swells around the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico should gradually diminish Thursday.
Swells are likely to begin affecting the east-facing shores of the Bahamas and the southeastern United States coast during the next few days.
These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Watches and warnings
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Residents in the northwestern and central Bahamas should monitor the progress of Dorian.
Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.