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Dorian is forecast to be a Category 4 as it continues to track toward Florida.
ACCUWEATHER

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Hurricane Dorian roared to “catastrophic” Category 5 status Sunday with sustained winds of 175 mph on an unrelenting march toward the nation’s East Coast.

The National Hurricane Center said the storm, with wind gusts exceeding 200 mph, had rolled to within 210 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida, as of 9:30 a.m. and was heading west at about 8 mph. The storm was expected to turn north, and it remained unclear where landfall might occur.

A long stretch of the coast including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina remained in play. 

“A slower westward motion should occur for the next day or two, followed by a gradual turn toward the northwest,” the center said in an advisory. “The hurricane should move closer to the Florida east coast late Monday through Tuesday night.”

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, the former governor, warned Floridians not to let down their guard amid forecasts that the storm, once ticketed to crash through his state, appeared poised to strike farther north.

“If this hurricane turns at the last minute and heads due west, you’ve gotta ask yourself, ‘Am I ready?'” Scott tweeted. “Don’t take a chance.”

Stay updated on Hurricane Dorian: Get USA TODAY’s Daily Briefing in your inbox

The storm rached the Abaco Islands on Sunday and was forecast to continue near or over Grand Bahama Island later tonight and Monday.

“This is a life-threatening situation,” the hurricane center warned. Residents there should take immediate shelter.”

The Bahamas were under siege, with storm surge in some areas expected to exceed 10 feet in some areas, posing “serious threat to both life and property across much of the northern Bahamas,”  AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

The slow pace of the storm meant some areas could be drenched by up to two feet of rain, Buckingham said.

As the Bahamas braced for the worst, the Ministry of Labour warned businesses that “laws regarding price gouging and price hoarding will be scrupulously enforced” over the next several days.

More: 5 things that make Dorian a dangerous hurricane

More: Dorian is a ‘major’ hurricane. What does this mean?

Dorian is powerful but compact. Satellite images of Dorian portray the hurricane as a relatively small feature, with hurricane-force winds “only” extending out from the center by about 30 miles, while tropical storm-force winds extend outward from the center of the hurricane by about 105 miles, AccuWeather said. This is only about half of what is average for a hurricane.

“I’ve seen a lot of storms bigger than that,” said Ken Graham, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami. “When it gets close to the coast, people have a tendency just to look at the center, but you have to think of it as bigger.”  

Some Floridians were cautiously optimistic. A mandatory evacuation order for parts of Martin County was rescinded. A similar order for Brevard County’s barrier island was postponed for by 24 hours – from 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday.

President Donald Trump was receiving briefings on Hurricane Dorian from the presidential retreat at Camp David. Vice President Mike Pence said Trump and others in the administration are watching the storm closely.

“It’s an extremely dangerous hurricane, and while some are reporting changes in the track, anyone in the path of Hurricane Dorian should listen to state and local and first responders and public safety personnel and heed their warnings,” Pence said.

Contributing: Doug Stanglin; The Associated Press

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Residents board up a storefront pharmacy as they prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019.
Residents stand in line at a grocery store as they prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019.
Storm clouds gather as Tropical Storm Dorian moves toward St. Michael Parish, Barbados, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019. Much of the eastern Caribbean island of Barbados shut down on Monday as Dorian approached the region and gathered strength, threatening to turn into a small hurricane that forecasters said could affect the northern Windward islands and Puerto Rico in upcoming days.
This satellite image obtained from NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES-East, shows Tropical Storm Dorian (in the lower part of the image) off South America as it approaches the Caribbean at 17:20Z on Aug.27, 2019. Tropical Storm Dorian intensified August 26, 2019 as it approached the Caribbean on a track that will take it near Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic by midweek, possibly at hurricane strength, US forecasters said. Although the storm was moving toward Cuba and Florida, forecasters said it could lose strength as it passes over mountainous terrain on Hispaniola, the Caribbean island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Jamie Rhome, storm surge specialist, seated, monitors the progress of Tropical Storm Dorian at the National Hurricane Center, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, in Miami.
A surfer takes advantage of the waves after the passing of Tropical Storm Dorian, in eastern Barbados, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
People move boats to a more secluded harbor for protection ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian in Boqueron, Puerto Rico on Aug. 27, 2019.
Jorge Ortiz works to tie down his roof as he prepares for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian, in the Martín Peña neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. The 50-year-old construction worker was taking no chances as Dorian approached Puerto Rico on Tuesday and threatened to brush past the island's southwest coast at near-hurricane strength.
YABUCOA, PUERTO RICO - AUGUST 28: Ya Mary Morales (L) and Henry Sustache put plywood over the windows of their home as they prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian on August 28, 2019 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. The Tropical Storm is expected to hit around 2pm this afternoon. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775397475 ORIG FILE ID: 1170712159
People gather at the coast hours before the storm enters in Patillas, Puerto Rico on, August 28, 2019. Tropical Storm Dorian bore down on Puerto Rico Wednesday as residents braced for a direct hit, the first since the island was ravaged two years ago by Hurricane Maria.
A handout graphic released by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the five-day forecast track of Tropical Storm Dorian over the Caribbean Sea. Dorian is projected to become a hurricane on its path over the Caribbean.
Workers prepare the building outside a store for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian in Humacao, Puerto Rico on, Aug.28, 2019.
Citizens stock up on gasoline a few hours before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, in Canovanas, Puerto Rico on Aug. 28, 2019.
Residents gather at the William Rivera Vocational School converted into a temporary shelter, before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, in Canovanas, Puerto Rico on Aug. 28, 2019.
Residents visit at the William Rivera Vocational School converted into a temporary shelter, before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, in Canovanas, Puerto Rico on Aug. 28, 2019.
Victor Ortiz Martinez, 79, is guided by Hector Guzman at the William Rivera Vocational School converted into a temporary shelter, before the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian, in Canovanas, Puerto Rico on Aug. 28, 2019.
Men repair a generator in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico on Aug. 28, 2019, before Hurricane Dorian arrives.
A woman watches the see from the door of her home in El Negro, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 28, 2019.
Zollo Azea puts shutters over the windows of his home as he prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian on Aug. 28, 2019, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico.
Residents stock up on supplies before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, in Canovanas, Puerto Rico on Aug. 28, 2019.
Fort Pierce resident Bob McDaniel gets extra fuel for a power generator and his car at the Cumberland Farms store Aug. 29, 2019, on Hutchinson Island, Fla. McDaniel plans on riding out Hurricane Dorian at a safe house inland before returning to his home on the island, then using the gas for his generator after the storm.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Gary DAngelo (L) and central Florida residents wait on the line to buy propane in preparation for hurricane Dorian at BJ's store on August 29, 2019. The storm is expected to hit Florida as a possible category 4 hurricane over Labor Day weekend.
NASA teams, using the historic crawler-transporter, slowly move the mobile launcher from Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to pad 39B on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. The mobile launcher will eventually host the agency's Space Launch System rocket.
Barry Kowalik of Danville Kentucky, helps his father Frank Kowalik board up his home Aug. 29, 2019, in the Fairlane Harbor neighborhood of Vero Beach, Fla. in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian. “I’m glad to be able to be down here, he wouldn’t be able to do this by himself,” Barry Kowalik said. The pair were using metal panels for hurricane protection on Frank’s home along Indian River Boulevard. “It sucks, it’s going to be a biggie,” Frank Kowalik said.
CASSELBERRY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Seminole County workers distribute sand bags to its residents in preparation for the hurricane Dorian on August 29, 2019 in Casselberry, Florida. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Dorian to strengthen into a Category 3 or greater storm as it heads towards Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775398295 ORIG FILE ID: 1170954387
Miami, Florida, residents stock up on groceries at a Costco on August 29, 2019, as they prepare for Hurricane Dorian. - Dorian was gathering strength on Thursday as it churned towards Florida, where it could make landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm. Florida's governor declared a state of emergency, warning residents on the east coast of the "Sunshine State" to prepare for a potentially major hurricane. (Photo by Michele Eve Sandberg / AFP)MICHELE EVE SANDBERG/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT: Florida p ORIG FILE ID: AFP_1JV09H
Kenny Thomas, left, and Jonathan Marotta of the Rhumcay Beach Resort & Island Grill in Fort Pierce, Fla, begin removing the outdoor furniture from the patio of the beachside restaurant on Aug. 29, 2019, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian. The staff has dozens of outdoor tables and benches to secure before the storm arrives.
Richard Henson, right, and his uncle, Peter Henson, prepare their grandmother’s house on Aug. 29, 2019, in Fort Pierce, Fla. for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian.
Crews place plywood on the windows of the Petco store in Viera, Fla. on Aug. 29, 2019, in preparation for Hurricane Dorian.
Well over 100 vehicles line up on Aug. 29, 2019, for free sandbags filled by trustees from the Brevard County Jail in the parking lot of Calvary Chapel, in Viera West, Fla. in preparation for arrival of Hurricane Dorian.
April Burson and her son Christian load up on plywood on Aug. 29, 2019, at a Lowe's Home Improvement store in Rockledge, Fla. in preparation for Hurricane Dorian.
Surfers search for waves ahead of Hurricane Dorian on Aug. 29, 2019, at Chastain Beach on Hutchinson Island, Fla.
Miami residents buy supplies at a hardware store as they prepare for Hurricane Dorian in Miami, Fla. on Aug. 30, 2019. Hurricane Dorian is expected to become category four hurricane by landfall on September 1 and 2.
Miami residents buy supplies at a hardware store as they prepare for Hurricane Dorian in Miami, Fla. on Aug. 30, 2019.
Baltimore tourists Loren Fantasia swings on the beach before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, in Freeport, Bahamas, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. Forecasters said the hurricane is expected to keep on strengthening and become a Category 3 later in the day.
Workers place hurricane shutters over a window as they help prepare a business for the possible arrival of Hurricane Dorian on Aug. 30, 2019 in Miami Beach, Fla. Dorian could be a Category 4 storm when it makes landfall Monday somewhere along the Florida coast.
Shoppers wait in line to get two cases of bottled water —the limit per customer — at the Costco store in Altamonte Springs, Fla., Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, as central Florida residents prepare for a possible strike by Hurricane Dorian.
A shopper leaves stocked up, including with a new generator and power fans, at the Costco store in Altamonte Springs, Fla., Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, as central Florida residents prepare for a possible strike by Hurricane Dorian.
People walk to their boat through a flooded parking lot at the Haulover Marine Center before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian on Aug. 30, 2019 in Miami Beach, Fla. The high water was due to King tide which may cause additional problems as Hurricane Dorian arrives in the area as a possible Category 4 storm along the Florida coast.
Weston Rice drives through a flooded parking lot as he prepares to drop his jet ski into the water at the Haulover Marine Center before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian on Aug. 30, 2019 in Miami Beach.
Lisa Vance helps her husband Stephan go up the mast of their sailboat to do a repair in preparation for Hurricane Dorian, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, at the Vero Beach City Marina in Vero Beach, Fla. The National Hurricane Center says Dorian could hit the Florida coast as a major hurricane early next week.
People line up to buy water at a store before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, in Freeport, Bahamas, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. Forecasters said the hurricane is expected to keep on strengthening and become a Category 3 later in the day.
Workers cover stained glass windows with plywood sections at the Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in preparation for Hurricane Dorian Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in Flagler Beach, Fla.
People wait in line at a U-Haul store to fill their propane tanks before the possible arrival of Hurricane Dorian on August 30, 2019 in Boynton Beach, Fla.
Empty shelves that held water are seen at a Winn Dixie store as people stock up before the possible arrival of Hurricane Dorian on August 30, 2019 in Boynton Beach, Fla.
Residents fill up gas cans for a generator in preparation for Hurricane Dorian, in Pembroke Pines, Fla on Aug. 30, 2019. Dorian was on a collision course with Florida on Friday as residents stocked up on food and water and battened down their homes to ride out the storm and others prepared to evacuate. Weather forecasters said Dorian, currently a Category 2 hurricane, could strengthen into a powerful Category 4 storm before it makes landfall but there was a great amount of uncertainty about where it would hit. Dorian is forecast to make landfall September 2.
Workers at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida, move an Allosaurus statue in preparation for Hurricane Dorian, on Aug. 30, 2019.
Joan Chang, center, gets help filling her bags during a sandbag giveaway in preparation for Hurricane Dorian, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in Margate, Fla.
This GOES-16 satellite image taken Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at 16:00 UTC and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows Hurricane Dorian, right, churning over the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricane Dorian bore down on the Bahamas as a fierce Category 4 storm Saturday, with new projections showing it curving upward enough to potentially spare Florida a direct hit but still threatening parts of the Southeast U.S. with powerful winds and rising ocean water that causes what can be deadly flooding.
Rain clouds move toward shore as as Hurricane Dorian churns off the coast on Aug. 31, 2019 near Fort Pierce, Fla. Dorian, once expected to make landfall near Fort Pierce as a category 4 storm , is currently expected to turn north and stay off of the Florida coast, lessening the impact on the area.
A beachgoer runs under the rain at the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 Hollywood, Fla. The latest forecast says Hurricane Dorian is expected to stay just off shore of Florida and skirt the coast of Georgia, with the possibility of landfall still a threat on Wednesday, and then continuing up to South Carolina early Thursday.
Hollywood Beach lifeguard Nelson Sarduy looks on from the tower on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Hollywood, Fla.
As worries continue about the impact of Hurricane Dorian, workers help a friend board up his apartment building on Aug. 31, 2019 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Dorian, once expected to make landfall near Fort Pierce as a category 4 storm , is currently expected to turn north and stay off of the Florida coast, lessening the impact on the area.
A sign on the door of the art gallery, Initially Yours, is posted in downtown Fort Pierce Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, as most businesses are closed in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, currently approaching Florida as a category 4 storm.
The workers were boarding up the doors on the Cocoa Beach Pier Saturday morning. Brevard County residents were busy Saturday preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian, its path still uncertain at this time.
People make sandbags at the cites municipal center as Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida, on Aug. 31, 2019 in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Dorian could be a Category 4 storm as it approaches the state and possibly making landfall as early as Monday somewhere along the east coast.
People install storm shutters the protect the windows at Cashway Motors in Cocoa, FL late Friday afternoon, Aug 30, 2017.