Hurricane Dorian facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Dorian making landfall on the Abaco Islands at peak intensity on September 1
Meteorological history
Formed	August 24, 2019
Extratropical	September 7, 2019
Dissipated	September 10, 2019
Category 5 tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds	185 mph (295 km/h)
Lowest pressure	910 mbar (hPa); 26.87 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities	84 (77 direct, 7 indirect)
Missing	245
Damage	≥$5.1 billion (2019 USD) (Costliest in Bahamian history)
Areas affected	Lesser Antilles Puerto Rico The Bahamas Eastern United States Eastern Canada
Part of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season
History Meteorological history Effects The Caribbean The Bahamas The Carolinas Alabama controversy Other wikis Commons: Dorian images

Hurricane Dorian was a super strong and destructive storm that hit the Bahamas in 2019. It was the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to strike the Bahamas. Its winds were so strong that it tied with the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and Hurricane Melissa in 2025 for the strongest landfall in the Atlantic Ocean. Many people consider it the worst natural disaster in the Bahamas' history.

Dorian had winds that reached about 185 mph (295 km/h). This made it one of the most powerful hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean since Wilma in 2005. It was the first Category 5 hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.

On September 1, Dorian hit the Abaco Islands with incredible winds. It then moved to Grand Bahama, staying almost still for a whole day with its powerful winds. This caused huge damage; many buildings were destroyed, and about 70,000 people lost their homes. After the Bahamas, Dorian moved along the coasts of the Southeastern United States and Atlantic Canada, causing more damage there.

Hurricane Dorian's Journey

How Hurricane Dorian Formed and Traveled

Hurricane Dorian started as a tropical wave on August 24, 2019, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It moved west and became a hurricane by August 28, passing near the Lesser Antilles.

Dorian quickly grew much stronger, a process called "rapid intensification." By September 1, it became a Category 5 hurricane, its strongest level, with winds of 185 mph (295 km/h).

The hurricane first hit the Bahamas, specifically Elbow Cay and Grand Bahama. It stayed almost still over Grand Bahama for about a day, causing extreme damage.

After that, Dorian weakened and started moving northwest on September 3, following the coast of Florida. It then turned northeast and hit Cape Hatteras in North Carolina as a Category 2 hurricane on September 6.

Finally, Dorian changed into a different type of storm called an extratropical cyclone on September 7. It still brought strong winds to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in Canada. The storm completely disappeared near Greenland on September 10.

Hurricane Dorian's Amazing Records

Hurricane Dorian set many records because of its strength. With winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), it was the strongest hurricane ever recorded to hit the Bahamas since 1851.

Dorian also tied with the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and Hurricane Melissa in 2025 for the highest winds at landfall in an Atlantic hurricane. It was the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Wilma in 2005.

It was one of only two Category 5 hurricanes to hit the Abaco Islands, and the only one to impact Grand Bahama. The year 2019 was the fourth year in a row to have at least one Category 5 hurricane in the North Atlantic.

Dorian also had the highest sustained winds for an Atlantic hurricane recorded at its latitude. It was the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever found outside of the tropics, even stronger than Hurricane Irma. The storm also moved very slowly for a major hurricane, covering the least distance in 24 hours since Hurricane Betsy in 1965.

Dorian stayed over a single land area as a Category 5 hurricane for about 22 hours. This was the longest time recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

Getting Ready for Dorian

Caribbean Islands Prepare

Before Dorian arrived in the Lesser Antilles, local governments issued many warnings. Airlines cancelled flights, and airports in the Virgin Islands closed temporarily. Many islands had been badly hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, so people were extra careful.

In Barbados, 38 shelters opened, and 103 people used them. All public services stopped during the storm. In Saint Lucia, the prime minister announced that the country would "shut down."

The governor of Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency on August 27. The Puerto Rico National Guard was ready to help. People worried about the power grid, which was still recovering from Hurricane Maria. About 30,000 homes still had damaged roofs. Across the territory, 360 shelters opened, ready for 48,500 people. Curfews were set in the British and United States Virgin Islands.

The Bahamas Gets Ready

On September 1, 2019, as Dorian was about to hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 hurricane, officials told people to find immediate shelter. Police and local administrators warned residents that not leaving could be very dangerous.

United States Prepares

Florida's Preparations

President Trump at a FEMA briefing on the hurricane

On August 28, Florida's governor declared a state of emergency for many counties. This expanded to the whole state on August 29. People started getting supplies, and first responders handed out sandbags.

Many schools and universities cancelled classes. The National Park Service closed Biscayne National Park. As Dorian got closer, tropical storm and hurricane warnings were issued along Florida's east coast.

The Florida State League and Gulf Coast League cancelled their baseball seasons. Some college football games were moved or postponed. The Orlando Pride soccer team also postponed a game.

Florida activated 4,500 members of the United States National Guard to help. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in some coastal cities like Jacksonville. Bridges closed when winds reached 40 mph (64 km/h). Many schools and government offices closed. Legoland Florida and parts of Walt Disney World also closed temporarily. Companies like Uber, Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T offered help like free rides, Wi-Fi, and waived charges.

Georgia's Preparations

President Trump receives an update on Hurricane Dorian on August 29, 2019.

On August 28, Georgia's governor declared a state of emergency for coastal counties. Atlanta Motor Speedway opened its campgrounds for free to people evacuating. Georgia State Parks also offered free parking and camping.

A hurricane watch and later a tropical storm warning were issued for Georgia's coast as Dorian approached.

South Carolina's Preparations

Major General Roy V. McCarty of the South Carolina National Guard and Governor Henry McMaster conduct a briefing on the hurricane.

On August 31, South Carolina's governor declared a state of emergency for the entire state.

On September 1, mandatory evacuations were ordered for many coastal counties starting September 2. State government offices and schools in these counties closed. Many colleges, like the College of Charleston, also closed.

A hurricane watch, then a warning, was issued for the entire coast as Dorian's path shifted closer.

North Carolina's Preparations

On August 30, North Carolina's governor declared a state of emergency for the whole state. Charlotte Motor Speedway opened its campgrounds for free to evacuees. A large hurricane shelter opened in Durham.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington cancelled classes and ordered a campus evacuation. Many school districts closed ahead of expected evacuations.

Along the Outer Banks in Dare County, a mandatory evacuation order was given on September 2. Visitors had to leave by September 3, and residents by September 4. The state's ports closed. Over 300 members of the North Carolina National Guard were activated to help.

A hurricane watch, then a warning, was issued for the entire North Carolina coastline.

Virginia's Preparations

On September 2, Virginia's governor declared a state of emergency for coastal Virginia. A tropical storm watch, then a warning, was issued for the Delmarva Peninsula.

Maryland and Delaware Prepare

On September 4, tropical storm watches were issued for parts of southern Maryland and Delaware. In Ocean City, Maryland, officials closed the seawall and removed items from the beach. Swimming restrictions were put in place. In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, swimming restrictions were also put in place.

New England Prepares

As Dorian passed near New England, a tropical storm watch, then a warning, was issued for parts of Massachusetts and Maine.

Other US Preparations

In Tennessee, Bristol Motor Speedway opened campgrounds for evacuees. Along the Jersey Shore, towns prepared for flooding and removed items from beaches.

Airbnb offered free housing to evacuees in several states. Major phone companies waived charges or provided unlimited data. The American Red Cross sent members to help. Experts warned of rip currents and beach erosion.

Atlantic Canada Prepares

As Dorian neared Atlantic Canada, hurricane and tropical storm warnings were issued for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. On September 6, residents in Nova Scotia were encouraged to evacuate due to expected high winds, heavy rain, and large waves.

Nova Scotia Power prepared by setting up an emergency center and mobilizing 1,000 workers. Airlines issued travel advisories and waived rebooking fees.

Hurricane Dorian's Impact

Impact on the Caribbean

From August 26 to 29, Dorian brought strong winds and heavy rain to the eastern Caribbean. In Barbados, winds reached 55 mph (89 km/h), knocking down trees and power lines. Some power outages happened in St. Lucia.

In Martinique, heavy rains and winds caused some damage. Heavy showers in Dominica left communities without power and water. In the Virgin Islands, Dorian brought strong winds and heavy rains. Sustained winds of 82 mph (132 km/h) and gusts of 111 mph (179 km/h) were recorded. Power went out across Saint Thomas and Saint John. Trees were downed, and boats washed ashore.

Because Dorian moved more northeast than expected, its effects in Puerto Rico were limited. One person in Bayamón died in a storm-related accident.

Impact on The Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian's destruction in The Bahamas

The Bahamas experienced higher tides and strong rip currents before the storm. On September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. It was the strongest hurricane in modern records to hit the northwestern Bahamas.

Winds gusted over 200 mph (320 km/h). A devastating storm surge of up to 23 feet (7 meters) swept away many buildings. It submerged a large part of the affected areas. Grand Bahama International Airport was underwater. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Hubert Minnis, called it a "deadly monster storm."

Marsh Harbour suffered "catastrophic damage." Over 75% of homes were damaged. The airport runway was underwater, and streets were flooded. Some homes lost their roofs entirely. The scene was described as "pure hell."

Sadly, 74 people died in the Bahamas. As of August 2020, 245 people were still missing. The local animal shelters were also badly hit. Many dogs and cats died in the flooding.

It is feared that the Bahama nuthatch, a rare bird, may have been wiped out. This is because Dorian caused huge damage to the Bahamian pineyards where they live.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that up to 13,000 homes were damaged or destroyed on Abaco Island. Water wells were contaminated with seawater, creating a need for clean water. Total damage in the Bahamas reached $3.4 billion.

Power was lost on the island of New Providence. Tropical storm conditions continued into September 2. On September 3, Prime Minister Minnis said, "Our urgent task will be to provide food, water, shelter, safety and security." He called Dorian "the greatest national crisis in our country's history." The United Nations estimated that 70,000 people were left homeless.

Impact on the Mainland United States

The National Centers for Environmental Information estimated total damage in the United States to be over $1.2 billion.

Florida's Impact

Dorian off of Florida's east coast on September 2

On September 2, Florida began to feel tropical storm-force winds. A wind gust of 48 mph (77 km/h) was recorded in Juno Beach. One person died in Indiatlantic in a storm-related accident.

Tropical storm-force winds continued along Florida's east coast on September 3 and 4. The storm's eye stayed about 100 miles (160 km) offshore. Many areas reported strong gusts, especially at Cape Canaveral. In Jacksonville, winds blew debris and caused power outages. A lifeguard rescued a woman from a rip current in Jacksonville Beach. Hurricane Dorian caused three indirect deaths in Florida.

The Carolinas' Impact

One person died in North Carolina on September 2 in a storm-related accident. Another person died on September 6 after falling from a ladder.

On September 5, several tornadoes caused by Dorian were seen in Onslow County. One tornado in Emerald Isle severely damaged an RV park and mobile homes. In total, 25 tornadoes were spawned by Dorian in North Carolina. Flooding washed out a road in Sampson County.

On the same day, tropical storm-force winds arrived in South Carolina. Dorian also caused some flooding, especially in Charleston. Over 160,000 buildings lost power. Two tornadoes were reported in South Carolina, damaging trees and roofs.

On September 6, Dorian made landfall in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, as a Category 2 storm. Several people on Ocracoke Island were trapped by flooding and needed rescue. NC 12 on Ocracoke Island was damaged. More than 190,000 people in North Carolina lost power. High waves swept away a herd of cows from Cedar Island; three cows survived. A third person died on September 7 from injuries sustained while clearing a fallen tree.

Other US Impacts

Waves from the hurricane caused erosion on the beaches in Delaware. In Bethany Beach, beaches narrowed and dune fences were damaged. The Jersey Shore saw strong winds and rough waves. Parts of Down East Maine received over 3 inches (76 mm) of rain. Gusts reached 40 to 50 mph (64 to 80 km/h) in coastal Maine, causing power outages. Acadia National Park closed some areas as a precaution.

Impact on Atlantic Canada

Crane toppled by Dorian's hurricane-force winds on September 7, in Halifax, Nova Scotia

On September 7, 2019, Nova Scotia began to experience hurricane-force winds. The storm's center passed over Halifax. By September 8, about 412,000 customers in Nova Scotia lost power, which was about 80% of the province. Another 80,000 customers in New Brunswick also lost power.

Flooding was reported, roofs were torn off buildings, and a crane collapsed onto a building. First responders evacuated 31 people from a campground in Prince Edward Island due to storm surge. Winds off the coast of Nova Scotia reached 155 kph (96 mph), similar to a Category 2 hurricane.

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, received the most rain, with 161 mm (6.3 inches). Many areas recorded winds higher than 130 km/h (81 mph). In Prince Edward Island National Park, 80% of trees were damaged, and storm surge caused 2 meters (6.6 feet) of coastal erosion. Winds also affected the Magdalen Islands of Quebec, causing power outages for nearly all customers there.

On September 7, a buoy off the coast of Newfoundland detected a 100-foot (30-meter) rogue wave caused by Dorian's winds. Insurance damage across the region was estimated at C$105 million (US$78.9 million). Damage to Nova Scotia's power grid alone cost $39 million (Canadian), making it the costliest storm in Nova Scotia Power's history.

Aftermath and Recovery

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents deliver relief supplies to The Bahamas.

Grand Celebration helped transport evacuees from The Bahamas to Florida.

U.S. Customs agents examine documents for evacuees.

The Bahamian prime minister, Hubert Minnis, thanked the United States for its help. Cruise lines like Bahamas Paradise, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival sent water and meals to the Bahamas. The Grand Celebration cruise ship helped transport over 1,100 evacuees from the Bahamas to Florida for free.

The United States branch of the Jehovah's Witnesses also helped, delivering over 100 tons of supplies and sending 700 volunteers.

The Humane Society of Grand Bahama, which was badly damaged, started a GoFundMe to help rebuild. Surviving animals were flown to the United States to other shelters.

About 300 military personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces were sent to Halifax to help with recovery. Parks Canada estimated that 80% of the trees in a part of Prince Edward Island National Park were knocked down. All public schools in Nova Scotia were closed on September 9 and 10.

Name Retirement

Because of the terrible damage caused by Hurricane Dorian, especially in the Bahamas, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) decided to remove the name Dorian from its list of hurricane names in April 2021. This means the name will never be used again for an Atlantic tropical cyclone. The name Dexter replaced Dorian for the 2025 season.

See Also

In Spanish: Huracán Dorian para niños

• List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
• List of Canada hurricanes
• Tropical cyclones in 2019
• Timeline of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season
• 1928 Okeechobee hurricane – a major hurricane that followed a similar path in 1928
• Hurricane Andrew (1992) – a Category 5 hurricane that hit the Bahamas and Florida
• Hurricane Floyd (1999) – a hurricane that affected the Bahamas and the US East Coast
• Hurricane Joaquin (2015) – a Category 4 hurricane that also stalled over the Bahamas
• Hurricane Matthew (2016) – a hurricane that affected the Windward Islands, Grand Bahama, Florida, and the Outer Banks
• Hurricane Isaias (2020) – a hurricane that affected similar areas
• Hurricane Nicole (2022) – a hurricane that affected similar areas