As Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida, an Israeli charity is preparing to help

An Israeli humanitarian aid organisation has said it was “preparing” to have to help in Florida on Friday, as Hurricane Dorian strengthened to a Category Two storm.

Dorian is expected to hit land on Sunday or Monday, forcing US President Donald Trump to cancel a trip to Poland to deal with this year’s biggest projected surge, which he described as “an absolute monster”.

Non-governmental organisation IsraAID said on Friday that it was “preparing to send an emergency team” as Dorian headed for Florida’s east coast, although its path could yet change.

Most analysts expect it to strengthen over the weekend, meaning it could cause “catastrophic damage” if it touches land as a Category Three or Four storm.

“Our teams are monitoring the situation and preparing to send an emergency response team if needed,” IsraAID said. “We have extensive recent experience in Florida and the wider region.”

Over half a million Jews live in South Florida and areas such as Palm Beach are recognised centres of Jewish life in the United States, where up to one in five residents are Jewish.

This week Florida’s governor declared a state of emergency, urged residents to stock up on food and water, and re-routed cruise ships, as aid groups put their teams on standby.

In recent years, IsraAID has responded to Hurricanes Michael and Irma in the state, as well as to Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Its teams are still working in Puerto Rico and Dominica, following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017.