"For a long period of time, Dorian will create big waves along the northern coast of Grand Bahama as well as the northern and eastern coasts of Abaco," said Jeffery Simmons, deputy chief of the Bahamas weather authority.

- We ask the residents of these areas to leave the coast, we expect storm waves of up to four and a half meters, Simmons continues.

Rescuers "will not be able to move at winds of 65 or 70 meters per second ... so those who want to leave I recommend that they do so now," points out Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.

Not expected to reach Florida

According to forecasts, the storm may pass the US state of Florida without reaching land.

In the US state of South Carolina, on the other hand, as in Georgia and Florida earlier this week, the state of emergency has been declared ahead of the hurricane's arrival, which is forecast for the beginning of next week.