How Close Will Dorian Get?

In this enhanced satellite image provided by NOAA, Hurricane Dorian is shown approaching the Bahamas at 10 a.m, EDT, Aug. 31, 2019. Dorian is a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 150 mph. (NOAA via Key News)

An extremely dangerous Hurricane Dorian with winds of 150 mph inched closer to Florida Saturday, and the National Hurricane Center posted a Tropical Storm Warning along Florida’s east coast from Deerfield Beach to Sebastian Inlet.

In the Bahamas, evacuations are under way.

The system continued to move slowly west at 8 mph as the danger of a direct hit to Key Biscayne receded. But because of the storm’s power and size, as well as the continued difficulty in knowing the timing of a turn, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center urged wariness.

“The uncertainty of the track is high,” forecasters said.

Forecasters, however, did drop the odds of tropical-storm force winds for Miami to 43%. 

Even offshore, however, the storm could pose a flooding risk to Key Biscayne.

“We have King Tides, and 3-to-5 inches of rain,” said Fire Chief Eric Lang. “There could be boat damage, and we could have power outages.”

Brian McNoldy, a meteorologist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, said tides at Virginia Key have been running 10 to 11 inches higher than predicted. 

A state of emergency for Key Biscayne remains in effect. 

 “I don’t want people to take their eyes off it.” said Mayor Mike Davey. “Don’t let down your guard just because we have a good forecast.”

A similar warning came from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Looking at these forecasts, a bump in one direction or the other could have really significant ramifications in terms of impact. If it bumps further east, that obviously is positive. If it bumps just a little west, then you’re looking at really, really significant impacts. Don’t make any assumptions, remain vigilant and be prepared,” DeSantis said at a briefing Saturday morning.

Closures and Cancellations:

• The Freebee transport service has stopped operation until further notice.
• A Village Council meeting and workshop, both scheduled for Sept. 3, have been canceled.
• Crossbridge Church Key Biscayne called off Sunday services, but worshippers were invited to a service at the Pinecrest campus. A video sermon was also recorded and is available.
• Miami Dade College is closed through Tuesday
• The University of Miami is closed and will resume Wednesday.
• FIU canceled courses Friday and Saturday.
• The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau issued a statement o help visitors.

In this graphic from the National Hurricane Center, the path of Dorian is shown as of 5 p.m. Saturday Aug. 31, 2019 (National Hurricane Center via Key News)

The Associated Press contributed to this report.