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Florence downgraded to tropical storm as deadly flooding and surges continue – live Florence downgraded to tropical storm as deadly flooding and surges continue – live
(35 minutes later)
Some more details on two storm-related deaths in Kinston from Lenoir county emergency services director Roger Dail:
A 78-year-old male was electrocuted at a residence on Silver Smith Circle in Kinston this morning when he was attempting to connect two extension cords outside in the rain. His body was discovered by family members.
A 77-year-old male’s body was discovered at 8am today by his family at his residence on Middle Street in Kinston. It is believed his death was caused when he was blown down by the wind when he went outside to check on his hunting dogs.
Both deaths have been reported to the state medical examiner’s office.
Some new details from the Associated Press about the swift-water rescue teams assisting residents in New Bern, a community swamped by the storm:
New Bern spokeswoman Colleen Roberts said more than 360 people had been rescued by mid-afternoon Friday, but another 140 were still waiting for help.
She says crews from the city and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) were working with citizen volunteers to get people to dry ground.
Roberts says there is widespread damage and power outages in the city but so far no reports of deaths or injuries.
The current statewide power outage total is 686,304, according to North Carolina officials. Details on the regions with the most problems here:The current statewide power outage total is 686,304, according to North Carolina officials. Details on the regions with the most problems here:
Current statewide power outage total is at 686,304, with the highest concentration in Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Johnston, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, Wake and Wayne counties. Get updates: https://t.co/bg1ZzZckxTCurrent statewide power outage total is at 686,304, with the highest concentration in Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Johnston, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, Wake and Wayne counties. Get updates: https://t.co/bg1ZzZckxT
An update from Guardian reporter Khushbu Shah, who is continuing to report from Wilmington:An update from Guardian reporter Khushbu Shah, who is continuing to report from Wilmington:
Officials have confirmed a “medical, storm-related fatality this morning as Hurricane Florence came ashore”. Details from Tammy Proctor, Pender county spokesperson:Officials have confirmed a “medical, storm-related fatality this morning as Hurricane Florence came ashore”. Details from Tammy Proctor, Pender county spokesperson:
At the height of the storm, EMS and emergency personnel attempted to respond. The roadway was blocked by trees and debris. A front loader was brought in to clear the roadway. A tree went into the windshield of the front loader. Due to the winds and dangerous conditions, operations had to cease at that time.At the height of the storm, EMS and emergency personnel attempted to respond. The roadway was blocked by trees and debris. A front loader was brought in to clear the roadway. A tree went into the windshield of the front loader. Due to the winds and dangerous conditions, operations had to cease at that time.
Details about the woman were not immediately available, and it appeared she died of a heart attack, Proctor said.Details about the woman were not immediately available, and it appeared she died of a heart attack, Proctor said.
Some updates from Governor Roy Cooper’s latest press conference:Some updates from Governor Roy Cooper’s latest press conference:
.@NC_Governor Cooper: UNC Chapel Hill has agreed to operate a mass shelter on their grounds. We are appreciative to all facilities that have opened their doors to operate as shelters. Efforts to get people long term housing after the storm are already underway..@NC_Governor Cooper: UNC Chapel Hill has agreed to operate a mass shelter on their grounds. We are appreciative to all facilities that have opened their doors to operate as shelters. Efforts to get people long term housing after the storm are already underway.
The governor said there were three confirmed deaths and more under investigation, but didn’t have additional details to provide.The governor said there were three confirmed deaths and more under investigation, but didn’t have additional details to provide.
There are 33 primary road locations and 30 secondary road locations that are experiencing flooding and over wash.There are 33 primary road locations and 30 secondary road locations that are experiencing flooding and over wash.
Utility crews are coming in from other states to restore power, and the governor urged people not to return home until they receive an “all clear”.Utility crews are coming in from other states to restore power, and the governor urged people not to return home until they receive an “all clear”.
Water teams have rescued hundreds of people in New Bern.Water teams have rescued hundreds of people in New Bern.
The highway patrol has responded to 80 collisions and 164 calls for service.The highway patrol has responded to 80 collisions and 164 calls for service.
Tropical storms are not barrelling along as fast as they used to – and there are consequences. Guardian journalist Kate Ravilious has some useful background about the science and the implications:Tropical storms are not barrelling along as fast as they used to – and there are consequences. Guardian journalist Kate Ravilious has some useful background about the science and the implications:
Research published in Nature earlier this year showed that the average speed at which tropical storms track has slowed down by 10% since 1949. Over land, speeds have decreased even further; around 30% for western North Pacific storms and 20% for North Atlantic ones. Changes in atmospheric circulation, caused by global warming, are thought to be behind the decrease in pace.Research published in Nature earlier this year showed that the average speed at which tropical storms track has slowed down by 10% since 1949. Over land, speeds have decreased even further; around 30% for western North Pacific storms and 20% for North Atlantic ones. Changes in atmospheric circulation, caused by global warming, are thought to be behind the decrease in pace.
Hurricanes that proceed at a trot instead of a canter are not good news.Hurricanes that proceed at a trot instead of a canter are not good news.
Read her full report here:Read her full report here:
Florence has officially been downgraded to a tropical storm, with winds now falling to 70mph. Surges and flooding will continue as the storm lashes South Carolina.Florence has officially been downgraded to a tropical storm, with winds now falling to 70mph. Surges and flooding will continue as the storm lashes South Carolina.
JUST IN: #Florence downgraded to a tropical storm as winds fall to 70 mph. https://t.co/MuLxSg3Qnz pic.twitter.com/Y8d1i4dJVAJUST IN: #Florence downgraded to a tropical storm as winds fall to 70 mph. https://t.co/MuLxSg3Qnz pic.twitter.com/Y8d1i4dJVA
#Florence has weakend to a Tropical Storm, but still poses a multi-day storm surge, flood and tornado threat as it slowly moves inland. Feet of rain are expected, don't let your guard down. Our live 24/7 coverage continues. pic.twitter.com/uOZusit8kr#Florence has weakend to a Tropical Storm, but still poses a multi-day storm surge, flood and tornado threat as it slowly moves inland. Feet of rain are expected, don't let your guard down. Our live 24/7 coverage continues. pic.twitter.com/uOZusit8kr
Sam Levin here, continuing our live coverage of the hurricane. Here’s the latest:Sam Levin here, continuing our live coverage of the hurricane. Here’s the latest:
Hurricane Florence has pounded the Carolinas coast with 90mph winds and a life-threatening storm surge.Hurricane Florence has pounded the Carolinas coast with 90mph winds and a life-threatening storm surge.
A mother and her infant child were killed by a tree that fell on their house in Wilmington, North Carolina.A mother and her infant child were killed by a tree that fell on their house in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Another person was electrocuted trying to plug in a generator, according to the governor’s office.Another person was electrocuted trying to plug in a generator, according to the governor’s office.
The storm has cut power to more than half a million households.The storm has cut power to more than half a million households.
Florence made landfall on Friday morning as a category one hurricane, just outside Wilmington.Florence made landfall on Friday morning as a category one hurricane, just outside Wilmington.
In Jacksonville, more than 60 occupants of a motel had to evacuate as a building crumbled.In Jacksonville, more than 60 occupants of a motel had to evacuate as a building crumbled.
In the city of New Bern, authorities have said they were scrambling to reach roughly 150 people stranded by flooding.In the city of New Bern, authorities have said they were scrambling to reach roughly 150 people stranded by flooding.
Some North Carolina jurisdictions are issuing curfews for Friday evening.Some North Carolina jurisdictions are issuing curfews for Friday evening.
Some models are now predicting over 50 inches of rain for swaths of North Carolina.Some models are now predicting over 50 inches of rain for swaths of North Carolina.
Many North Carolina jurisdictions are issuing curfews tonight, and pleading with residents to shelter in place and stay off the roads. So far they include:Many North Carolina jurisdictions are issuing curfews tonight, and pleading with residents to shelter in place and stay off the roads. So far they include:
Counties: Wayne, Lenoir, Columbia, RobesonCounties: Wayne, Lenoir, Columbia, Robeson
Cities and towns: Wilmington, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Ayden, JacksonvilleCities and towns: Wilmington, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Ayden, Jacksonville
NEW: Wayne County, NC under mandatory curfew effective at 9 p.m. Only people allowed past curfew are those headed to work or emergency personnel. Violators will be charged. #ABC11 #Goldsboro #HurricaneFlorence2018 #HurricaneFlorenceNC pic.twitter.com/nzuJwHRxCaNEW: Wayne County, NC under mandatory curfew effective at 9 p.m. Only people allowed past curfew are those headed to work or emergency personnel. Violators will be charged. #ABC11 #Goldsboro #HurricaneFlorence2018 #HurricaneFlorenceNC pic.twitter.com/nzuJwHRxCa
Authorities have reported another two deaths in North Carolina, bringing the death toll from Florence to four.Authorities have reported another two deaths in North Carolina, bringing the death toll from Florence to four.
One person was electrocuted in Lenoir county trying to plug in a generator, according to Governor Roy Cooper’s office.One person was electrocuted in Lenoir county trying to plug in a generator, according to Governor Roy Cooper’s office.
Authorities in Pender county told NBC News that a woman with a medical condition called for assistance but first responders were unable to reach her in time due to large trees in the road blocking their route.Authorities in Pender county told NBC News that a woman with a medical condition called for assistance but first responders were unable to reach her in time due to large trees in the road blocking their route.
It was confirmed earlier in the day that a mother and infant were killed in Wilmington when a tree fell on their house.It was confirmed earlier in the day that a mother and infant were killed in Wilmington when a tree fell on their house.
Watch the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s rainfall predictions swell through Friday afternoon.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.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.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.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.
Adam Gabbatt explains more here.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 6mph, after slowing down to 3mph earlier this morning.Florence is practically flying by at 6mph, after slowing down to 3mph earlier this morning.
Maximum sustained winds of 75mph leave it just above the minimum threshold to still be considered a hurricane, which is 74mph.Maximum sustained winds of 75mph leave it just above the minimum threshold to still be considered a hurricane, which is 74mph.
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.