Hurricane Fiona is making a northward turn away from the U.S. coast and could hit hotels and tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. Florida’s beaches could also be affected. Associated Press reporters contributed to the hurricane coverage. Fiona is a Category 3 hurricane, which means it will have damaging winds and hurricane-force winds.
Tropical storm Fiona could become a Category 4 storm
The tropical storm has already made landfall in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Bermuda, causing life-threatening flooding and mudslides. As it moves northward, Fiona could become a hurricane. However, the storm will not be a major threat to the U.S. mainland, as it will track around a ridge of high pressure. Still, it will bring rip currents and flooding along the eastern U.S. coast.
Forecast models suggest that Tropical Storm Fiona will strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane by late Wednesday. It is also expected to continue moving northward after Bermuda, making landfall in the Canadian Maritimes over the weekend. As the hurricane moves northward, Fiona is expected to produce hurricane-force winds and a large storm surge. It will also be capable of dropping significant amounts of rain, and its impacts will be felt in coastal areas from Maine to Florida.
It is expected to make a northward turn away from the U.S. coast
Hurricane Fiona’s future track depends on the behavior of the jet stream over the continental United States. It initially appeared that the storm would track to the east of the United States, but a dip in the jet stream should steer the storm northeast, away from the coast.
The storm is currently a Category 3 hurricane with 115 mph winds. It has battered the Dominican Republic with heavy rain and wind. It also continues to send rain bands to Puerto Rico, causing devastating flooding. Forecasts suggest Fiona will stay away from Florida, but it may bring swells to the U.S. east coast this week.
It is expected to affect hotels, restaurants and other tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico has already been hit by Hurricane Fiona, and authorities are coordinating relief efforts. President Joe Biden has signed a disaster declaration for the island, and has directed federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Fiona is already a Category 4 hurricane, which means its winds are stronger than 50 miles per hour. In Puerto Rico, more than one million people were left without power and without running water. Hurricane Fiona has already dumped 30 inches of rain on the island, and authorities have warned residents to stay indoors and avoid getting wet.
The Dominican Republic’s president is still assessing the full extent of damage. He said water supply will take days to return to some areas hit hardest by the storm. The president declared three provinces affected by Fiona “disaster zones,” but would not provide a breakdown of estimated citizens’ losses. He also declined to say whether he’d send the military to help with rescue efforts.
It could also affect the Sunshine State’s beaches
Though Florida is currently not in the direct path of Hurricane Fiona, the storm could have a large impact on the state’s beaches. Fiona is expected to make a northeastern bend before making landfall in the southern Bahamas later this week. The state’s beaches could see rough surf and rip currents.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Fiona is moving west at 15 mph and could bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands on Friday. It is also expected to strengthen to a hurricane in the next five days.
