The 4:00 update from the National Hurricane Center finds that Hurricane Dorian remains an extremely powerful hurricane, with winds just below cat 5 status. Currently, the maximum sustained winds are 150 mph, with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is possible and Dorian could, at least briefly, reach cat 5 status.

The forecast path continues to trend eastward, possibly sparing the Southeast coast of the US a direct landfall. Never the less, all coastal residents are urged to pay close attention to the forecast and to keep in mind that impacts from a hurricane can be felt far from the center. Any slight change in the path could mean a landfall in the Carolinas.

Below is a visible satellite image.

Below is enhanced water vapor.

I’ll keep an eye on it. Again, we can expect no impact here on the plateau from Dorian.