Overnight, Dorian re-developed about 50-60 miles north yesterday and the track shifted about 60-70 miles to the east. As a result, AccuWeather now estimates the total damage and economic loss caused by Hurricane Dorian will be $12-15 billion, according to AccuWeather Founder and CEO Dr. Joel N. Myers, based on an analysis incorporating independent methods to evaluate all direct and indirect impacts of the storm based on a variety of sources.
The estimate includes damage to homes and businesses, their contents and cars, as well as job and wage losses, infrastructure damage, costs to the travel and tourism industry, and auxiliary business losses.
With its overnight change in track, Dorian now will be a 3 on the AccuWeather RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes due to rainfall of 4 to 8 inches that can lead to flash flooding and storm surge flooding along the coast, the potential for widespread power outages and structural damage. The National Hurricane Center has issued a number of watches and warnings; both Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands were under a hurricane watch as of Wednesday.
As of Wednesday, Dorian is nearing the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Residents of those areas should prepare as if a hurricane is approaching and begin taking the appropriate precautions.
Before you file for aid with FEMA, here are some tips on what to expect.
The track of Dorian has shifted to the east compared to Tuesday and the center of the storm is now expected to pass close to the coast of eastern Puerto Rico late on Wednesday. After passing Puerto Rico, Dorian is expected to continue to the northwest, passing near the northern Bahamas. The intensity forecast has increased from Tuesday and it seems more likely Dorian will become a hurricane over the weekend. Given the holiday weekend, Dorian has the potential to cause significant disruptions to outdoor activities.
The biggest financial impact could be felt by the travel and tourism industry. Several major airlines are offering waivers for travelers to reschedule flights affected by the storm, and cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, have altered their itineraries with replacement stops away from the area. Similarly, hotels in the affected areas of the Caribbean may experience increased cancellations.
One big concern is whether Dorian tracks westward into Florida or slows before reaching the coast and makes a turn to the north. If Dorian does slow and turn to the north, impacts in the Carolinas would be much more significant, while Florida would be spared from major damage.
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