Tropical Update: Dorian Continues To Strengthen

Hurricane Dorian continues to strengthen and has now become a Category 2 hurricane. As of 5:00 AM AST, Dorian had winds of 105 mph and was marching northwest at 12 mph. Meteorologists now believe the storm will reach Category 4 status.

Forecast models have Dorian hitting Florida before making a more northerly turn. Unfortunately, the storm has begun to slow down, meaning the impact could be more catastrophic. A slower storm brings more rain, and thus more flooding. The latest forecast models have Dorian striking Florida sometime Monday morning.

Dorian is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane later today. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or above, packing winds of at least 115 mph. This would mark the third straight year the US has been hit by a major hurricane, a feat that has not been achieved since the 1960s.