History of Hurricane Dorian in Timeline

Hurricane Dorian, a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane in 2019, was the most intense hurricane to strike the Bahamas and tied with the 1935 Labor Day hurricane for strongest Atlantic landfall with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h). It caused catastrophic damage in the Bahamas, particularly the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama, flattening structures, leaving at least 70,000 homeless, and being considered the worst natural disaster in the nation's history. After devastating the Bahamas, Dorian moved along the southeastern US and Atlantic Canada, causing significant damage and economic loss. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic, and the strongest since 2005.

1932: One of Two Category 5 Hurricanes to Hit Abaco Islands

In 1932, a Category 5 hurricane struck the Abaco Islands, making Dorian only the second such storm on record to impact the islands.

1935: Record-Tying Landfall Intensity

Hurricane Dorian tied with the 1935 Labor Day hurricane for the highest sustained winds at landfall in an Atlantic hurricane.

1935: Labor Day Hurricane

In 1935, the Labor Day Hurricane, tied with Dorian for strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall, caused significant devastation.

1965: Slowest Movement for a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Dorian tracked the least distance in a 24-hour period recorded for an Atlantic major hurricane since Hurricane Betsy in 1965.

2003: Hurricane Juan

In 2003, Hurricane Juan significantly impacted Nova Scotia, serving as a reference point for preparations and warnings during Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

2005: Strongest Since Wilma

Dorian was the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Wilma in 2005 based on sustained winds at landfall.

2017: Hurricane Maria's Impact on Puerto Rico

In 2017, Hurricane Maria severely damaged Puerto Rico's infrastructure, including the power grid, leaving lasting vulnerabilities that influenced preparations for Hurricane Dorian.

2017: Hurricanes Irma and Maria

In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused widespread destruction in the Caribbean, increasing vigilance for future storms like Dorian.

August 19, 2019: Tropical Wave Identified

On August 19, 2019, the National Hurricane Center identified a tropical wave that eventually developed into Hurricane Dorian.

September 1, 2019: Hurricane Dorian's Landfall

On September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian made landfall in Elbow Cay, Bahamas, as a Category 5 hurricane, prompting urgent warnings for residents to seek safety.

September 2, 2019: Evacuation Orders in Dare County

On September 2, 2019, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Dare County, North Carolina, in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian's impact.

September 7, 2019: Dorian Impacts Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Surrounding Areas

On September 7, 2019, post-tropical storm Dorian brought hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and surrounding areas. Significant power outages, flooding, building damage, and coastal erosion were reported. The storm caused an estimated C$105 million in insured damages, making it the costliest storm in Nova Scotia Power's history.

September 2019: US Aid and Controversy Over Bahamian Immigration

In September 2019, the US pledged aid to the Bahamas for hurricane relief efforts. However, a controversy arose regarding temporary protected status for Bahamian immigrants, with conflicting statements from President Trump and officials about accepting those affected by the hurricane.

2019: Fourth Consecutive Year with a Category 5 Hurricane

2019 marked the fourth consecutive year to produce at least one Category 5 hurricane in the North Atlantic.

2019: Hurricane Dorian Formation and Impact

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian formed, becoming the strongest hurricane of the 2019 season and causing catastrophic damage in the Bahamas.

February 2020: Casualty Update

By February 2020, the official death toll from Hurricane Dorian rose to 74, with 63 fatalities in Abaco and 11 in Grand Bahama. Additionally, 282 people were still reported missing.

August 2020: Assessment of Dorian's Aftermath

As of August 2020, the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian revealed extensive damage, deaths, and missing persons, solidifying its status as the costliest disaster in Bahamian history.

2020: IUCN Red List Assessment

In 2020, a post-hurricane assessment by the IUCN Red List indicated that the Bahama nuthatch may have been wiped out due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Dorian to the Bahamian pineyards. The assessment suggested a maximum remaining population of 50 individuals, highlighting the need for extensive surveys.

2020: Delayed Retirement Discussion

The discussion to retire the name Dorian was initially expected in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the WMO meeting schedule.

April 2021: Name Retirement

In April 2021, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) retired the name Dorian due to its disastrous impact, particularly in The Bahamas. It will be replaced by Dexter in the 2025 season.