PHOTOS: Dorian's catastrophic impact on the Bahamas

The storm is currently forecast to move "dangerously close" to Florida's east coast through Wednesday night before moving up close to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Wednesday night and Thursday.

Slow-moving Hurricane Dorian weakened to a Category 2 storm, down from its peak Category 5 strength, but was still powerful enough to continue its extreme hit on the Bahamas.

At least seven people were reported dead in the storm's aftermath, though that number is sure to rise as communications are restored and rescuers can penetrate the region. At least 13,000 homes are either destroyed or damaged.

The storm's next target is Florida, and though it is projected to track northward parallel to the coast rather than making landfall, it is still expected to bring extreme rains, powerful winds, and storm surge. Five states have declared a state of emergency and numerous evacuation orders have been issued.

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Below is a selection of images showing the damage in the Bahamas so far. Check back for updates as this storm advances.

WATCH BELOW: POWERFUL DORIAN FROM SPACE, SPED UP 1000 TIMES

WATCH BELOW: FLYING INTO THE EYE OF DORIAN AT FULL STRENGTH