Hurricane Dorian: UAE evacuates its citizens from Florida as travel warnings are issued

The UAE Consulate in New York City has urged Emiratis to contact officials

Emiratis are being evacuated from Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian's arrival. AFP Photo

America's President Donald Trump has said Hurricane Dorian, which is expected to arrive in Florida early next week, could be an "absolute monster" of a storm.

Now, the UAE Consulate in New York is evacuating its citizens who are living in the US state, as the National Hurricane Centre on Friday evening announced Hurricane Dorian had become an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane.

The authorities have urged Emiratis living in Florida to contact officials if they have not already been contacted. “If you have not received a call from UAE officials, please call the UAE Consulate General in New York,” reads a statement issued via Twitter, along with the necessary phone numbers to call.

Earlier this week, Florida governor Ron DeSantis issued an order declaring a state of emergency in 26 of the state's counties. However, the next day he expanded that to include all 67 counties.

The National Hurricane Centre warns that nearly the entire state of Florida is in the projected path of Hurricane Dorian as it approaches.

Expedia, the travel aggregator, has activated its emergency accommodations module to help anyone looking for somewhere to stay. "Please take caution when travelling, monitor local news and check for updates," the website advises.

Meanwhile, US airlines have begun to issue travel waivers.

For the most up-to-date information monitor the progress of approaching storms on the National Hurricane Centre website.