Hurricane Dorian is still gaining strength after reaching Category 5 status.
The National Hurricane Center says Dorian's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 180 miles an hour with higher gusts.
Dorian has officially become the strongest hurricane in modern records for the northwestern Bahamas.
Forecasters say its creating "catastrophic conditions" as it lashes the Abacos Islands.
The latest update puts the hurricane about 205 miles east of West Palm Beach and moving to the west at seven miles per hour.
A hurricane watch is now in effect for Florida's east coast from Deerfield Beach to the Brevard County Line.
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