LATES:Hurricane Dorian: Friday conditions, advisories for Maryland, Virginia, Delaware
After leaving the Abaco Islands in ruin as it tore through the Bahamas,Hurricane Dorian is now threatening Florida's east coast with no signs of stopping.
The hurricane, now a Category 2,is moving along at about 8 mph and is expected to pick up speed through Wednesday morning, according to a report from USA Today.
As the storm progresses, the risk of wind and rain impacts across Delmarva is increasing.
Live maps:Will Hurricane Dorian hit the Delmarva Peninsula? Track the storm's path with live maps
Here's what you need to know.
What are the weather conditions for my area?
A Tropical Storm Warningis in effect for parts of Eastern Virginia as of late Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service Wakefield office. This extends north to Chincoteague Island.
A Tropical Storm Watch was issued late Wednesday from north of Chincoteague to Fenwick Island, for the Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point to Drum Point, and for the Tidal Potomac River south of Cobb Island.
NWS also issued Coastal Flood Watches for Wicomico and Worcester counties Wednesday afternoon. The watches will last from Thursday night through Friday night, according to NWS.
As of Wednesday afternoon, NWS is predicting 1-2 feet of "inundation," which could flood low-laying areas
The area could see Tropical Storm Force Winds on Thursday night into Friday morning, NWS said.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia could experience maximum wind gusts of up to 60mpharound Friday morning,and2to 3inches of rain throughout the week.
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More:How Hurricane Dorian will affect Delmarva, and how you can prepare
Potential hazards include flooding, rain, strong winds, storm surge and very dangerous to extreme marine conditions.
There is a high risk for rip currents lasting through the week, with a potential for other marine threats developing Thursday into Saturday.
The president of the Somerset County Commissioners has approved a voluntary evacuation of Smith Island (Zone A-1) Thursday. The Natural Resources Police will arrive at the Ewell dock at noon and will proceed to Tylerton at 12:30 p.m. to transport anyone who wishes to leave for the mainland. The Coast Guard will be at the Ewell dock at 3 pm, departing for Crisfield at 3:30 p.m.
In preparation for possible impacts from Dorian, Crisfield warned residents that areas that normally experience street flooding will see a greater volume of water, addingflooding is expected during the Friday and Saturday tide cycles.
It said in a release the parking lot at Carvel Hall will be available for those needing to move their personal vehicles to high ground startingThursday at noon. The town will also provide sandbagsfor the protection of buildings. Five free bags may be picked up by 9 a.m. Thursday at City Hall and sand will be available outside Carvel Hall by noon on Thursday.
Call City Hall at 410-968-1333 for more information.
Northampton County Schools in Virginia will close Thursday at 2 p.m. and remain closed Friday.
A&N Electric Cooperative, based in Accomack and Northampton counties, said it is preparing for potential power outages as a result of the hurricane's effects.
Crews will be prepared beginning Thursday night to be dispatched if outages occur, according to a release from A&N.
If your power goes out, A&N recommends cutting off heat pumps, electric water heatersand other major appliances. After power has been restored for several minutes, gradually restart only those necessary appliances. After about 30 minutes, you should be able to return to normal operation.
Families who have special medical needs or elderly members should prepare alternate arrangements in case of prolonged outages.
To report an outage, call A&N at 757-787-9750.
What are the latest boating conditions?
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port set port condition modified Whiskey for the Ocean City Inlet, Isle of Wight Bay, Assawoman Bayand Sinepuxent Bay due to predicted sustained tropic force winds that may arrive in the coming days, according to a Tuesday news release from the U.S. Coast Guard. 5th District.
Port condition modified Whiskey was also set for the Port of Delaware Bay on Tuesday.
Ports are open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey is in effect.
More:Stunning satellite images show Hurricane Dorian's floodwaters engulfing The Bahamas
For the Port of Virginia, Port Condition X-ray was set at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Sustained tropical storm force winds generated by Hurricane Dorian may affect the area within the coming hours, according to Coast Guard.
Any commercial vessels and barges weighing more than 500 tons are asked to make plans for remaining or departing from port to the Captain of the Port. Vessels desiring to remain in port are required to submit a mooring plan to the Captain of the Port for approval, the release stated.
More:'Life-threatening' Hurricane Dorian begins lashing central Florida coast, heading northwest
Owners of pleasure craft are advised to closely monitor weather reports and seek safe harbor well before storm conditions arrive. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress.
If port conditions are elevated as tropical storm force winds approach, vessel movements will be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the Captain of the Port.Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’sHomeport site.
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