US: Hurricane Dorian makes landfall at Bahamas

By Zehra Nur Duz and Hakan Copur

MIAMI/ANKARA (AA) - Catastrophic category 5 hurricane batters Bahamas on Sunday before tracking towards the U.S. state of Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“Hurricane #Dorian has made landfall at Great Abacos Island in the Bahamas,” the center said Sunday.

“Maximum sustained winds have increased to 185 mph with gusts over 220 mph,” it added.

This is tied for the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall on record with the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, according to the center.

“Pray for the people in the Bahamas. Being hit like never before, Category 5. Almost 200 MPH winds,” U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Twitter post on Sunday.

The National Hurricane Center has also issued hurricane warnings for portions of the Florida east coast.

On Saturday, the center said Hurricane Dorian's forecast track in the U.S. has shifted.

"With the change in the forecast, the risk of strong winds and life-threatening storm surge is increasing along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina during the middle of next week," it added.

Trump had also cancelled a planned trip to Poland as Hurricane Dorian approaches the U.S. mainland.

“In addition to Florida - South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, will most likely be hit (much) harder than anticipated. Looking like one of the largest hurricanes ever. Already category 5. Be Careful! God Bless Everyone!,” Trump tweeted on Sunday.