State Watch

Trump warns Florida to prepare as Dorian approaches

President Trump on Thursday warned Florida residents to prepare for Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the coast.

{mosads}”Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night,” the president tweeted.

“Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!”

The storm, which is expected to hit Florida this weekend, was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane Wednesday as it passed over the U.S. Virgin Islands. The storm moved past Puerto Rico early Wednesday morning.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) declared a state of emergency on Wednesday while urging residents to exercise caution.

The National Hurricane Center has warned that a storm surge is possible, which could upgrade the hurricane from Category 1.

The federal agency also warns of potential for heavy rains.