To all our friends in North Carolina and South East Virginia, if you have not already done so please prepare and follow all the Evac Orders closely, especially if you are in a low lying area. This particular hurricane is a big, big deal.
The computer models are all over the map. This storm is serious business.
- Florence remains a dangerous Category 4 hurricane.
- A strike on the Carolinas will occur late Thursday and into Friday.
- Hurricane and storm surge warnings have been issued.
- A life-threatening storm surge is expected with landfall.
- Catastrophic inland flash flooding and major river flooding may result.
- Tropical-storm-force winds may arrive as soon as Thursday morning.
- Florence is also generating dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast
Despite the warnings some people—who should be-- are not leaving.
[D]espite mandatory evacuation orders in coastal areas of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, many residents haven't decided to leave.
Not a good choice.
Officials said Hurricane Florence, with its powerful winds and potentially heavy rainfall, has the potential to cause "massive damage" to parts of the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.
There are some indications that the storm could stall out over the coast—much Iike Hurricane Harvey did in Texas-- after it hits as a CAT 4, dumping huge amounts of rain for an unduly long period of time, into not only North Carolina but upper South Carolina and Georgia as well. DC, Maryland and Eastern Virginia are also at risk. From WAPO:
Like Hurricane Harvey, which stalled over Texas in 2017, Florence could linger over the Southeast for several days after landfall, unloading 15 to 20 inches of rain and isolated amounts to 30 inches. The Hurricane Center said this is “likely” to produce catastrophic flash flooding.
In Virginia, officials said inland flooding was likely to be catastrophic and could test the James River flood walls in Richmond, the state capital. The Navy commander of the Mid-Atlantic region authorized an emergency evacuation order for personnel who live in the low-lying area under mandatory evacuation, and corrections officials said they had evacuated a prison in that area. The mayor of the District of Columbia joined Maryland’s governor in declaring an emergency in the nation’s capital.
This is not something to “ride out.” It’s not going to get better. Please pay close attention to all Evac Orders, particularly if you are in low lying areas.
More detail here from ian douglas rushlau.