The number of people killed in the Bahamas from Hurricane Dorian has risen to at least 30, with authorities expecting that number to rise.
Officials have said the final death toll is expected to be "staggering", with hundreds said to be still missing.
Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama suffered direct hits from the powerful storm, with some areas said to be "decimated".
The United Nations has said an estimated 70,000 people in the Bahamas are in need of urgent aid.
In comments quoted by BBC, local health minister Duane Sands said: "The public needs to prepare for unimaginable information about the death toll and the human suffering."
Dorian is continuing to move northwards off the east coast of the US, having weakened to a category 1 storm.
However, sustained winds of up to 150km/h are still being recorded.
While the eye of Dorian has not made landfall in the US, there are warnings of strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge in several states.
The hurricane has triggered tornadoes in South Carolina, and in North Carolina there are concerns as it heads towards a line of exposed islands.
“We are feeling the storm’s force, but it has only started. We have a long night ahead of us.” - Gov. Cooper #HurricaneDorian #ncwx https://t.co/fpjIWGmx2W pic.twitter.com/hJnnfmK93W
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) September 5, 2019
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told residents: "If your area is feeling the impact of Dorian, stay home and safe.
"Don't drive through standing or moving water - if the road is covered with water, turn around. Don't risk your life."
In their latest forecast, the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said: "Slow weakening is expected during the next few days.
"However, Dorian should remain a powerful hurricane as the center moves near or along the coast of North Carolina.
"Dorian is forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone with hurricane-force winds by Saturday night as it approaches Nova Scotia."
