Dorian Updates
'We are in the midst of a historic tragedy' says Bahamian Prime Minister
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said initial reports indicate that the devastation in the Abaco Islands is "unprecedented" and many buildings have been "completely or partially destroyed."
“We are in the midst of a historic tragedy in parts of our northern Bahamas," Minnis told reporters at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters on Monday.
Five dead on Abaco Islands from Hurricane Dorian
Hurricane Dorian has killed five people on the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas, the Prime Minister told reporters Monday afternoon.
Tennessee's Bristol Motor Speedway to open campgrounds for Dorian evacuees
Bristol Motor Speedway will open its Medallion Campground tomorrow at noon to Hurricane Dorian evacuees.
"BMS will once again open its campgrounds to hurricane evacuees. Evacuees may access the Medallion Campground off Hwy 394 beginning tomorrow, Sept. 3 at noon and are encouraged to call toll free 866.415.4158 for more information. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in the path of Hurricane Dorian," the company said in a Facebook post.
The speedway has opened its campgrounds for evacuees from past storms, such as Hurricane Irma and Florence.
The decision by Bristol follows similar ones made by Atlanta Motor Speedway Friday and Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina today. Both speedways have opened their facilities for evacuees free of charge.
Virginia governor declares state of emergency ahead of Dorian landfall
Gov. Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency in advance of Hurricane Dorian, which is expected to impact southeastern Virginia Thursday.
The impact from Dorian could include coastal and inland flooding, storm surge, damaging winds and prolonged power outages, the governor's office said in a news release Monday afternoon.
“Hurricane Dorian is a serious storm, and current predictions indicate that it may affect parts of Virginia. I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure that localities and communities have the appropriate level of assistance, and to coordinate the Commonwealth’s response to any potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian. I encourage Virginians to take all necessary precautions to make sure they are prepared as well," Northam said.
A state of emergency allows the Commonwealth to mobilize resources and to deploy people and equipment to assist in response and recovery efforts, the governor's office added. The declaration also allows officials from Virginia to coordinate planning and evacuation resources with the state of North Carolina.
This action does not apply to individuals or private businesses.
Disney World to close Tuesday afternoon due to Dorian
Walt Disney World is adjusting its hours Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Dorian, which is expected to get close to Florida this evening.
Disney resort hotels will remain open, but Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be closed beginning Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET and will reopen following the storm when it is safe to do so.
Here are the other adjustments being made around Disney on Tuesday:
Magic Kingdom Park: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (opening at 7 a.m. for Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (opening at 6 a.m. for Extra Magic Hours)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (opening at 7 a.m. for Extra Magic Hours)
Disney Springs: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
ESPN Wide World of Sports: Closed
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park: Closed
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.