Hurricane Dorian to hit US Carolinas

WASHINGTON -- Hurricane Dorian, a category 4 storm packing 145 mph (233 kph) winds as of early Saturday, is now expected to hit the Carolinas in southern United States next week, the US National Hurricane Center said Saturday.

The storm is now expected to make landfall in the Carolinas on Wednesday evening, according to an ABC News report.

If Dorian remains farther offshore, parts of US state of Florida may see only up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) of rain, significantly lower than earlier forecasts. But that means South Carolina could see quite a bit more, said the report.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper already issued Friday a state of emergency that asks to support relief efforts and waives certain transportation restrictions ahead of potential impacts from the hurricane.

"As Hurricane Dorian approaches, North Carolina is under a state of emergency and our price gouging law is in effect," said the state's Attorney General Josh Stein.

"It is illegal to charge excessive prices during a state of emergency. If you see a business taking advantage of this storm, let my office know so we can hold them accountable and protect you from price gougers," Stein said.

Local reports said such order will also help farmers harvest and transport crops quickly in preparation for possible impacts from the hurricane.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also declared a state of emergency, asking residents to prepare enough supplies to sustain seven days.

US President Donald Trump has scrapped a planned visit to Poland this weekend, citing the need to monitor the hurricane. He approved Florida's disaster declaration earlier Friday.

Hurricane Dorian strengthened to category 4 on Friday. According to the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes hurricanes into five levels, anything of or above category 3 is considered a "major" hurricane.