As of Friday, August 30, 2019, Hurricane Dorian is on path to make landfall in Florida late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. The storm has been significantly upgraded since this blog was first published earlier this week. Hurricane Dorian is currently predicted to make landfall with sustained winds in the 130-mph range, which would make it a Category 4 hurricane.

Thankfully, Puerto Rico was spared the brunt of Hurricane Dorian’s strength. When the center of Hurricane Dorian passed just east of the island the storm was still only a Category 1 hurricane.

Tropical Storm Dorian is Now Hurricane Dorian

On Tuesday, Tropical Storm Dorian had yet to hit Puerto Rico and only had sustained winds of about 50-mph. Unfortunately, 48 short hours later, Tropical Storm Dorian has indeed been upgraded to a hurricane, and it is now predicted to strengthen to a Category 4 Hurricane by the time it makes landfall along Florida’s East Coast, likely near West Palm Beach.

Residents north of where Hurricane Dorian is expected to make landfall should be extra cautious due to the current King Tide. With the tide being near its highest point for the year, storm surge is projected to potentially be in the 8 to 12 foot range.

All the current models are predicting Hurricane Dorian will likely bring heavy wind and rain to the entire state, from Miami up to Jacksonville.

You can keep track of Dorian through the National Hurricane Center’s website.

During the upcoming days it is of vital importance to prepare and heed any government warnings to evacuate if they are recommended for your area.

Click here to find sandbag pickup locations in Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Brevard County, Flagler County, Polk County, Volusia County and Lake County.

Resources for Dealing with Tropical Storm or Hurricane Dorian If It Affects You

Your safety is paramount, and we hope you’ve taken the necessary steps to safeguard your family. We encourage you to check out some of our past blogs about preparation, post-storm hazards and dealing with the financial impact of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Creating a Hurricane Preparedness Kit – If you haven’t created one yet, we strongly encourage you to read through our resources regarding hurricane prep kits. It can be easy to overlook some things in the rush to get ready – like having a plan for your pets or stocking up on enough diapers or formula if you have infants in the household. It’s advisable to use the next few days to think through all the items you may need in case of emergency or evacuation.

Protecting Your Home and Property – There are a number of steps you’ll want to take to protect your home, vehicle and other property before a hurricane makes landfall. Go through our property preparedness checklist for steps you can take now to minimize damage.

Getting Help From FEMA After a Hurricane – Cleaning up and rebuilding after a hurricane isn’t just stressful and potentially dangerous, it can also be expensive. If you’re worried about not getting paid enough on your hurricane damage insurance claim, you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to call a hurricane damage attorney or independent claims adjuster for help if you feel like your claim is being held up or treated unfairly. Also keep in mind that FEMA and other government organizations offer very generous rebuild loans, some of which have interest rates as low as 1.75 percent.

The Hidden Health Hazards of Hurricanes – If a hurricane damages your home, and especially if your neighborhood is inundated with storm surge and flood waters, there are many potential dangers that could be waiting when you return home. Stay safe during the cleanup!

What to Do When a Hurricane Destroys Your Property – Dealing with the insurance company after a hurricane or tropical storm has ravaged your property can be a headache. There are many pitfalls you should avoid and documentation steps you should take to ensure you get paid all your owed for your claim. This guide can help ensure you check all the necessary boxes to increase the likelihood that you will maximize your claim.

Florida Hurricane Damage FAQ – If you have questions or are just looking for additional hurricane damage claim filing guidance, our answers to frequently asked Florida hurricane damage questions may help.