Key Biscayne Braces For Dorian as “Monster” Cat 3 Hurricane

The bottled water aisle shelves were nearly empty at the Winn-Dixie in Key Biscayne, Fla., Friday Aug. 30, 2019, as Hurricane Dorian threatened the Florida coast (Key News/Carolyn Koslen)

As Hurricane Dorian slowed its approach, Key Biscayne residents filled sandbags, stripped store shelves clean, and made preparations to get off the island if an evacuation is ordered. 

Forecasters said Dorian is now a Category 3 storm with winds of 115 miles per hour, but had slowed its forward speed to 10 miles per hour and could slow even further – a development which could greatly increase the danger. At 2 p.m. EDT, Dorian was about 625 miles east of West Palm Beach. 

Forecaster Lixion Avila said a weakening steering current will cause “a prolonged duration of wind, storm surge, and rainfall.” Forecasters said there was an 84% chance of Miami being hit with tropical-storm force winds; the chance of hurricane-force winds was 34%.

In this graphic from the National Hurricane Center, Dorian’s predicted path is seen, Aug. 30, 2019 (National Hurricane Center via Key News)

Stress was high on the island, but some residents pitched in to help with smiling faces. Outside the Key Biscayne Beach Club, martial arts instructor Robert Duzoglou was helping fill to bags, shovel in hand.

“I have a black belt in this, too,” he joked. 

Martial arts instructor Robert Duzoglou, left, volunteers to help fill sandbags at the Key Biscayne Beach Club as Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida, Friday Aug. 30, 2019. The storm was upgraded to Category 3 status, but is slowing its approach. (Key News/Tony Winton)

At Winn-Dixie, the bottled water shelves were empty, but residents were stocking up on other supplies. Gas stations were handling traffic normally at mid-morning, but police were on site to manage access.

Village Manager Andrea Agha said she is awaiting word from County Mayor Carlos Gimenez about a county declaration of emergency. Agha said she will follow suit with a Village declaration when that happens. 

“We’re prepared,” she said, “but we’re very fluid.” 

Because the storm’s approach has slowed, she said one of her concerns is employee burnout, noting that employees have to secure their own homes. “That way, when we rev up, people can come in fresh,” she said. 

One concern: debris at various construction sites that could turn objects into dangerous projectiles. Agha said the Village has issued just under a dozen violations and will fine property owners – even going to the step of removing debris and filing liens if necessary. 

The Village is readying a command post on the mainland if Mayor Gimenez orders an evacuation. Village employees were making plans to shuttle vehicles to places of safety, and the Village IT staff was readying a plan to secure data and maintain communications links. 

The Village canceled a budget workshop and a special Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the 2020 budget because of Dorian. 

Residents were advised to finalize their hurricane plans. 

President Donald Trump has declared an emergency in the state of Florida as it braces for the brunt of Hurricane Dorian .

Trump, whose Florida properties could sustain damage, has warned that Dorian could be an “absolute monster.”

A hurricane watch was in effect for northwestern Bahamas, where long lines formed at gas stations and grocery stores Friday. Supplies like canned food and bottled water were quickly disappearing in Grand Bahama Island.