Coast Guard prepared to respond, complete rescues as Dorian nears Florida's coast

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Coast Guard personnel are prepared to respond as needed as Hurricane Dorian nears Florida's east coast.

The Coast Guard said that their crews from Coast Guard Stations Mayport, Port Canaveral, and Ponce De Leon Inlet have strategically positioned themselves to be clear of the storm's impact so they can complete rescue operations and re-open critical port's infrastructure.

They also urged the maritime community and public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as Hurricane Dorian approaches. Citizens should heed evacuation orders and stay off the water until well after the storm passes.

The Coast Guard is reportedly supporting the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force, who are leading the search and rescue efforts in the Bahamas.

Hurricane Dorian is moving northwest as a Category 2 storm. It is growing in size and picking up speed.

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE FOR DORIAN

See what schools are closed HERE.

See active evacuation notices HERE.

Find the nearest emergency shelter HERE.

See the active curfew times HERE.

For the latest on Dorian, visit ORLANDOHURRICANE.com.

You can also monitor the tropics with the Fox 35 Weather App.

This story was written in Orlando, Florida.