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Hurricane Florence batters Carolinas amid warning of 'catastrophic' floods – live updates Hurricane Florence: mother and child among first victims amid warning 'it's going to get worse' – live
(35 minutes later)
Watch the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s rainfall predictions swell through Friday afternoon.
Between July 2016 and July 2017 only one metro area in the US saw a bigger population increase than the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina region currently being lashed by Hurricane Florence. That rapid expansion of both businesses and housing in the costal community has put many more people in Florence’s path than would have been there years ago.
It’s also a direct driver of flooding during a potentially catastrophic rainfall event like Florence is shaping up to be. All that development means more non-porous concrete, and less soft ground for water to absorb.
One of the reasons Houston, Texas, flooded so badly during tropical storm Harvey last year was the city’s rapid expansion – with hundreds of square miles of pavement and tens of thousands of houses added in just a few decades on land prone to flooding.
Our Adam Gabbatt explains more here.
Authorities in Wilmington, North Carolina have confirmed what are believed to be the first two fatalities of Hurricane Florence in Wilmington. A mother and infant were killed when a tree fell on their house. The father was transported to a local hospital with injuries.Authorities in Wilmington, North Carolina have confirmed what are believed to be the first two fatalities of Hurricane Florence in Wilmington. A mother and infant were killed when a tree fell on their house. The father was transported to a local hospital with injuries.
WPD can confirm the first two fatalities of Hurricane #Florence in Wilmington. A mother and infant were killed when a tree fell on their house. The father was transported to NHRMC with injuries. https://t.co/FC5PAhuxigWPD can confirm the first two fatalities of Hurricane #Florence in Wilmington. A mother and infant were killed when a tree fell on their house. The father was transported to NHRMC with injuries. https://t.co/FC5PAhuxig
Nearly 2,100 flights have been canceled because of the hurricane. This is the view from flight trackers:Nearly 2,100 flights have been canceled because of the hurricane. This is the view from flight trackers:
#Florence certainly making its mark on aviation traffic today. https://t.co/gjLSNAyz2T pic.twitter.com/Fd0imZ2DQ0#Florence certainly making its mark on aviation traffic today. https://t.co/gjLSNAyz2T pic.twitter.com/Fd0imZ2DQ0
The National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina tweets that it’s “not immune” to storm damage. The headquarters lost a tree out front thanks to high winds and rain-saturated soil.The National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina tweets that it’s “not immune” to storm damage. The headquarters lost a tree out front thanks to high winds and rain-saturated soil.
The National Weather Service is not immune to storm damage either.... No property damage, luckily, just some downed limbs and trees! #Florence #ILMFlorence pic.twitter.com/Hu9HdVISSUThe National Weather Service is not immune to storm damage either.... No property damage, luckily, just some downed limbs and trees! #Florence #ILMFlorence pic.twitter.com/Hu9HdVISSU
North Carolina governor Roy Cooper said at a news conference in Raleigh that citizens were still in danger.North Carolina governor Roy Cooper said at a news conference in Raleigh that citizens were still in danger.
“The sun rose this morning on an extremely dangerous situation and it’s going to get worse,” Cooper said. “To those in the storm’s path, if you can hear me, please stay sheltered in place.”“The sun rose this morning on an extremely dangerous situation and it’s going to get worse,” Cooper said. “To those in the storm’s path, if you can hear me, please stay sheltered in place.”
Cooper said Florence would: “continue its violent grind across the state for days.”Cooper said Florence would: “continue its violent grind across the state for days.”
Florence is practically flying by at 6 MPH, after slowing down to 3 MPH earlier this morning.Florence is practically flying by at 6 MPH, after slowing down to 3 MPH earlier this morning.
Maximum sustained winds of 75 MPH leave it just above the minimum threshold to still be considered a hurricane, which is 74 MPH.Maximum sustained winds of 75 MPH leave it just above the minimum threshold to still be considered a hurricane, which is 74 MPH.
Florence is expected to weaken into a tropical storm at some point Friday afternoon.Florence is expected to weaken into a tropical storm at some point Friday afternoon.
At 1 pm, Hurricane Florence was centered about 30 mi west-southwest of Wilmington NC, or about 35 mi northeast of Myrtle Beach SC. Florence has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, and is moving to the west at 6 mph. pic.twitter.com/6AEQYM6xFkAt 1 pm, Hurricane Florence was centered about 30 mi west-southwest of Wilmington NC, or about 35 mi northeast of Myrtle Beach SC. Florence has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, and is moving to the west at 6 mph. pic.twitter.com/6AEQYM6xFk
Fox News correspondent Rick Leventhal reports that much of Wrightville Beach is currently under water, which is not surprising. The low-lying beach town, at an elevation of just 7 feet above sea level, was where Florence official made landfall Friday morning.Fox News correspondent Rick Leventhal reports that much of Wrightville Beach is currently under water, which is not surprising. The low-lying beach town, at an elevation of just 7 feet above sea level, was where Florence official made landfall Friday morning.
Big stretches of Wrightsville Beach NC now underwater #HurricaneFlorence pic.twitter.com/vd0fwL0DEABig stretches of Wrightsville Beach NC now underwater #HurricaneFlorence pic.twitter.com/vd0fwL0DEA
Myrtle Beach, with its pristine shoreline, fairground attraction and immaculate golf courses, is known as a major holiday destination in the US south. But for the city’s poorest residents – 23% of people here live below the poverty line – the prospect of a direct hit from Hurricane Florence served only as a reminder of the city’s economic and racial inequality.Myrtle Beach, with its pristine shoreline, fairground attraction and immaculate golf courses, is known as a major holiday destination in the US south. But for the city’s poorest residents – 23% of people here live below the poverty line – the prospect of a direct hit from Hurricane Florence served only as a reminder of the city’s economic and racial inequality.
For many, evacuating from the path of Hurricane Florence is simply too expense.For many, evacuating from the path of Hurricane Florence is simply too expense.
“If anything happens to my home I just have to stay right where I am,” said 52-year-old Angela Smith, an African American resident of the Sandygate Village housing project in Myrtle Beach.“If anything happens to my home I just have to stay right where I am,” said 52-year-old Angela Smith, an African American resident of the Sandygate Village housing project in Myrtle Beach.
“I can’t afford to own a car, so I literally can’t leave,” said Smith, who is also disabled and unemployed.“I can’t afford to own a car, so I literally can’t leave,” said Smith, who is also disabled and unemployed.
Instead, she said, she would rely on the tight bonds she had forged with other members of the community. “We all get along here. We all support each other in times like this.”Instead, she said, she would rely on the tight bonds she had forged with other members of the community. “We all get along here. We all support each other in times like this.”
Read more from Myrtle Beach here.Read more from Myrtle Beach here.
Last year Hurricane Harvey became the most significant tropical rainfall event in recorded US history, topping out at 60.58 inches. Latest HD modeling now showing Florence could come close.Last year Hurricane Harvey became the most significant tropical rainfall event in recorded US history, topping out at 60.58 inches. Latest HD modeling now showing Florence could come close.
40-50" rainfall totals beginning to show up in higher-res guidance as the event begins to unfold. Reminds me of how guidance began to respond in Harvey. Regardless of exact totals, rainfall will be exceptional and flooding catastrophic. pic.twitter.com/y7gv3HTh4R40-50" rainfall totals beginning to show up in higher-res guidance as the event begins to unfold. Reminds me of how guidance began to respond in Harvey. Regardless of exact totals, rainfall will be exceptional and flooding catastrophic. pic.twitter.com/y7gv3HTh4R
Information from the National Weather Service about what the key dangers are in times of heavy rainfall. Up to 50 inches could hit southeast North Carolina between now and Sunday.Information from the National Weather Service about what the key dangers are in times of heavy rainfall. Up to 50 inches could hit southeast North Carolina between now and Sunday.
What are the impacts of 15 to 25 inches of rainfall in a short amount of time? Catastrophic flooding is likely across portions of southern/eastern #NCwx. Have a plan, monitor the forecast, and be ready to implement your plan! pic.twitter.com/2hrT53JekfWhat are the impacts of 15 to 25 inches of rainfall in a short amount of time? Catastrophic flooding is likely across portions of southern/eastern #NCwx. Have a plan, monitor the forecast, and be ready to implement your plan! pic.twitter.com/2hrT53Jekf
High resolution model suggesting 50 inches of rain could fall in southeast North Carolina between now and Sunday. This is Harvey. #HurricaneFlorence pic.twitter.com/45CEgOdkrYHigh resolution model suggesting 50 inches of rain could fall in southeast North Carolina between now and Sunday. This is Harvey. #HurricaneFlorence pic.twitter.com/45CEgOdkrY
From the Associated Press, Florence by the numbers:From the Associated Press, Florence by the numbers:
About 400 miles (645 kilometers) wide, with hurricane-force winds stretching across a 140-mile (255-kilometer) spanAbout 400 miles (645 kilometers) wide, with hurricane-force winds stretching across a 140-mile (255-kilometer) span
Heavy rains: up to 18 trillion gallons falling on seven states over seven days, as much water as there is the entire Chesapeake BayHeavy rains: up to 18 trillion gallons falling on seven states over seven days, as much water as there is the entire Chesapeake Bay
Storm surge: up to 13 feet (nearly 4 meters), and seawaters could push inland 2 miles (more than 3 kilometers), depending on how long Florence lingersStorm surge: up to 13 feet (nearly 4 meters), and seawaters could push inland 2 miles (more than 3 kilometers), depending on how long Florence lingers
Stalled: Florence was nearly at a standstill Friday afternoon, moving at just 3 mph (6ph)Stalled: Florence was nearly at a standstill Friday afternoon, moving at just 3 mph (6ph)
Fatal hazards: historically, 49% of U.S. hurricane deaths come from storm surge, 27% from rain, 8% from wind, 6% from surf, 6% were offshore and 3% from tornadoesFatal hazards: historically, 49% of U.S. hurricane deaths come from storm surge, 27% from rain, 8% from wind, 6% from surf, 6% were offshore and 3% from tornadoes
Intensity: Florence came ashore with top winds of 90 mph (145 kph), below the 111 mph (178 kph) threshold for a “major” hurricane but still extremely dangerousIntensity: Florence came ashore with top winds of 90 mph (145 kph), below the 111 mph (178 kph) threshold for a “major” hurricane but still extremely dangerous
In the dark: more than 645,000 outages, mostly in North Carolina, as of Friday morning, with Duke Energy anticipating 1m to 3m homes and businesses losing powerIn the dark: more than 645,000 outages, mostly in North Carolina, as of Friday morning, with Duke Energy anticipating 1m to 3m homes and businesses losing power
Protected: 12,000 people in shelters in North Carolina, 4,000 in South Carolina and 400 in VirginiaProtected: 12,000 people in shelters in North Carolina, 4,000 in South Carolina and 400 in Virginia
Populated coastline: 11m Americans live in areas under storm watches and warningsPopulated coastline: 11m Americans live in areas under storm watches and warnings
Grounded: nearly 2,100 flights canceledGrounded: nearly 2,100 flights canceled
Potential losses: estimated $10bn to $60bn in economic damagesPotential losses: estimated $10bn to $60bn in economic damages
Search and rescue dogs were deployed to North Carolina on Wednesday to help find storm survivors.Search and rescue dogs were deployed to North Carolina on Wednesday to help find storm survivors.
Those deployed include three teams of one dog, one human from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.Those deployed include three teams of one dog, one human from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.
Also deployed was Morty, who was in Puerto Rico last year for Hurricane Maria. Morty has been popular with reporters.Also deployed was Morty, who was in Puerto Rico last year for Hurricane Maria. Morty has been popular with reporters.
Morty kept snuggling up next to me as I stood there talking to different people. It just hit me that he probably sensed my stress and anxiety. I’m 12 hours into my #HurricaneFlorence shift and there’s 4 more hours before my shift ends. He definitely helped me out. https://t.co/6ybrwsVOIFMorty kept snuggling up next to me as I stood there talking to different people. It just hit me that he probably sensed my stress and anxiety. I’m 12 hours into my #HurricaneFlorence shift and there’s 4 more hours before my shift ends. He definitely helped me out. https://t.co/6ybrwsVOIF
SAY HI TO MORTY! He’s with the Disaster Response Canine Unit. @DWilsonABC11 caught up with him in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. He's ready to help in #Florence. He's a good boy! pic.twitter.com/crC69fpAfqSAY HI TO MORTY! He’s with the Disaster Response Canine Unit. @DWilsonABC11 caught up with him in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. He's ready to help in #Florence. He's a good boy! pic.twitter.com/crC69fpAfq
Dramatic scenes from North Carolina, where the southeastern part of the state is under flash flood warnings.Dramatic scenes from North Carolina, where the southeastern part of the state is under flash flood warnings.
This is not a scene that you want to see at the end of your street. Massive waves & storm surge overtaking this neighborhood in coastal NC.(Courtesy: Don Bowers & LeeAnn0252) pic.twitter.com/oNuPnvGAC6This is not a scene that you want to see at the end of your street. Massive waves & storm surge overtaking this neighborhood in coastal NC.(Courtesy: Don Bowers & LeeAnn0252) pic.twitter.com/oNuPnvGAC6
Harborview Nursing home in Morehead City, NCI worked here for about 2 years. It is right on the water and as you can see, the first floor is under water and it's close to getting 2nd floor.Laundry, front office, beauty shop, kitchen all on 1st floor. pic.twitter.com/7qSsqegydWHarborview Nursing home in Morehead City, NCI worked here for about 2 years. It is right on the water and as you can see, the first floor is under water and it's close to getting 2nd floor.Laundry, front office, beauty shop, kitchen all on 1st floor. pic.twitter.com/7qSsqegydW
Carolina Beach is flooding. #HurricaneFlorerence pic.twitter.com/MxMYzu6BfBCarolina Beach is flooding. #HurricaneFlorerence pic.twitter.com/MxMYzu6BfB
"A remarkably touching scene in Wilmington, North Carolina as firefighters huddle in prayer for two victims in partial house collapse." - @LesterHoltNBC pic.twitter.com/Cjp1xHi5y9"A remarkably touching scene in Wilmington, North Carolina as firefighters huddle in prayer for two victims in partial house collapse." - @LesterHoltNBC pic.twitter.com/Cjp1xHi5y9
ProPublica is reporting that if Florence causes massive damage, North Carolina’s coastal insurance policy may not have the cash to foot the bill. Those costs could wind up being passed along to property tax payers statewide.ProPublica is reporting that if Florence causes massive damage, North Carolina’s coastal insurance policy may not have the cash to foot the bill. Those costs could wind up being passed along to property tax payers statewide.
“According to the most recent totals available, from 2017, the state-created insurance plan had access to about $3 billion in reserves, reinsurance, and contributions from insurance companies to repair and rebuild damaged homes and properties,” according to ProPublica.“According to the most recent totals available, from 2017, the state-created insurance plan had access to about $3 billion in reserves, reinsurance, and contributions from insurance companies to repair and rebuild damaged homes and properties,” according to ProPublica.
The policy is insuring $74 billion in potential liability.The policy is insuring $74 billion in potential liability.
For scale of hurricane damage costs, consider that the total payout from claims related to Hurricane Harvey are expected to approach $20 billion.For scale of hurricane damage costs, consider that the total payout from claims related to Hurricane Harvey are expected to approach $20 billion.
All aboard.All aboard.
More #HurricaneFlorence storm damage - viewer Sheannon Lilley sent us this shot of a boat from her hotel room window at Courtyard Marriott in New Bern: pic.twitter.com/8TFxe9uKZYMore #HurricaneFlorence storm damage - viewer Sheannon Lilley sent us this shot of a boat from her hotel room window at Courtyard Marriott in New Bern: pic.twitter.com/8TFxe9uKZY
The National Weather Service is warning people in the Carolina inland about an increased threat of landslides and debris flows across the mountains and foothills this weekend.The National Weather Service is warning people in the Carolina inland about an increased threat of landslides and debris flows across the mountains and foothills this weekend.
Florence will bring heavy rain to the western Carolinas Saturday through Monday. The heavy rain is expected to result in significant flooding along creeks and streams.Florence will bring heavy rain to the western Carolinas Saturday through Monday. The heavy rain is expected to result in significant flooding along creeks and streams.
Landslides, including fast-moving debris flows consisting of water, mud, falling rocks, trees, and other large debris, are most likely within small valleys that drain steep slopes.Landslides, including fast-moving debris flows consisting of water, mud, falling rocks, trees, and other large debris, are most likely within small valleys that drain steep slopes.
Landslides are powerful and potentially deadly, capable of washing out roads, bridges, and homes. People living in areas prone to landslides should be aware of the danger and be prepared to act.Landslides are powerful and potentially deadly, capable of washing out roads, bridges, and homes. People living in areas prone to landslides should be aware of the danger and be prepared to act.
The National Weather service advises people to “move away from steep slopes and small streams in steep valleys and to seek refuge on higher ground away from streams, preferably in a sturdy shelter.”The National Weather service advises people to “move away from steep slopes and small streams in steep valleys and to seek refuge on higher ground away from streams, preferably in a sturdy shelter.”
Stay alert. Many landslide fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Be aware that short intense bursts of rainfall are most likely to cause landslides.Stay alert. Many landslide fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Be aware that short intense bursts of rainfall are most likely to cause landslides.