Major Hurricane Florence Takes Aim in the Mid-Atlantic States! (Photo Credit: NOAA)

DISCUSSION: Major Hurricane Florence is taking aim at South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia towards the end of the week. As of 5:00 PM on 10 September 2018, Hurricane Florence is a category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 miles per hour. South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and, most recently, Maryland have declared a State of Emergency in preparation of Florence. Mandatory evacuation stretches from South Carolina, through North Carolina into Virginia. Know your zone if you live in an evacuation area so when the order comes in, you are ready to evacuate. The main threats associated with Hurricane Florence are high winds, high surf, storm surge, and torrential rain. Florence is not only a coastal storm as it will impact inland areas as well. People in Southwestern Virginia are on alert as Florence has the potential to drop feet of rain which can cause not only flooding but also landslides.
 
Hurricane Florence is currently (as of 6:45 PM EST on 10 September 2018) located southeast of Bermuda. It is expected to head westward towards the Carolinas. Pinpointing the exact landfalling location is still difficult; however, areas along the coast will feel the impact starting Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds have the potential to extend outward to West Virginia and Kentucky. Unfortunately, current models are hinting at a slowing storm once Florence makes landfall which means the storm will sit over the Mid-Atlantic for days and dump inches, potentially feet of rain.
 
In preparation for Hurricane Florence, you will want to heed the warnings.  Ensure you are paying attention to the forecast in case it makes a drastic change. You will also want to go to the grocery store and get things that you’ll need should the power go out for a long period of time. This can include a first aid kit, canned food, water, flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and also things for your pets and children. If you need to evacuate, make sure you take a video record of all of your belongings should you need to make an insurance claim.
 
Stay up to date on the latest details regarding the status of Hurricane Florence at www.globalweatherclimatecenter.com/tropicalcyclones and www.twitter.com/gwccwx.
 
ⓒ 2018 Meteorologist Brandie Cantrell