Trump warns Florida to prepare as Dorian approaches

President Trump on Thursday warned Florida residents to prepare for Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the coast.

{mosads}”Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night,” the president tweeted.

“Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!”

Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night. Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2019 

The storm, which is expected to hit Florida this weekend, was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane Wednesday as it passed over the U.S. Virgin Islands. The storm moved past Puerto Rico early Wednesday morning.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) declared a state of emergency on Wednesday while urging residents to exercise caution.

The National Hurricane Center has warned that a storm surge is possible, which could upgrade the hurricane from Category 1.

The federal agency also warns of potential for heavy rains.