VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for residents in the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management announced on Thursday.
The order is effective as of 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The order comes as Hurricane Dorian moves up the coast.
The powerful storm devastated the Bahamas earlier in the week.
Voluntary evacuation recommendations have also been issued for residents in low-lying areas of Virginia Beach, and the city of Portsmouth.