Hurricane Florence Heads Towards North Carolina

There have been strong winds, rains and violent surf in the coastal parts of the state. New Bern is experiencing continuous rain and around 150 people are waiting to be rescued there. Strong winds and heavy rains have been reported in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Latest weather predictions indicate that the storm is coming to a standstill and it is likely to decrease further by Saturday. Authorities at The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) however inform that despite the wind strength of Hurricane Florence has decreased, the hurricane still remains dangerous because of high volumes of rainfall accompanied with potentially dangerous storm surges. The size of the storm is considered to be pretty big.

Officials have warned locals of these life-threatening storm surges in North and South Carolina as the wind will move towards the land with a speed of 150 km/h. Storm surges is the rise in the sea water level because of a stormy like weather or low-pressure weather systems. The winds would push the sea onto the land which makes it dangerous. Storm surges coupled with torrential rains are the most dangerous aspect of a hurricane. According to meteorologist Marshall Shepherd, “That’s a recipe for a flooding disaster.”

Parts of Carolina are expected to receive (50-75 cm) of rain while some isolated regions may expect 40 inches of a downpour. Flood waters may rise up to 13 feet in some areas. Officials say that the storm has the potential to kill a lot of people. There could also be “catastrophic” flooding. Locals residing along the coastlines of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia have been ordered to evacuate.

Many people have taken shelter in emergency facilities while there are others who’ve decided to stay back because of their pets and businesses. Petrol stations in the area are reporting shortages. Some energy companies are also complaining that one to three million homes and businesses may lose power. Over 1400 flights have been canceled as most of the coastal region airports have been closed. Rescue workers are arriving from other parts of the United States to aid in the rescues. It’s being said that restoring electricity in these areas may take up to several weeks.