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Hurricane Florence: Carolinas brace for 'storm of lifetime' – live updates Hurricane Florence: Carolinas brace for 'storm of lifetime' – live updates
(35 minutes later)
The Weather Channel has put green screen to pretty extraordinary use, as they attempt to show what it could look like for people who encounter floodwater reaching nine feet, as is predicted in some areas.
The good stuff begins 40 seconds into the video, skip ahead to that.
Storm surge will be a huge factor for Hurricane #Florence Check out what it might look like with @TWCErikaNavarro: pic.twitter.com/TPqTZTmiAM
A tornado warning has been issued for parts of North Carolina until 7am EDT Friday.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of North Carolina until 7 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/i3efeVAbCy
This is Kate Lyons, taking over from Sam Levin.
The National Weather Service are reporting that, as was the case with Hurricane Harvey last year, so much rain is predicted to fall as a result of Florence that they have to use an updated colour scheme in their rainfall graphic.
Last year, so much rain fell during Hurricane Harvey, which caused catastrophic flooding across Houston, that the NWS had to update their colour charts in their graphics to map it effectively, adding a bright purple to show 20-30 inches of rainfall, and a lilac colour to indicate greater than 30 inches.
Previously, the top band of rainfall shown in their graphics was 15-20 inches, represented by a dark purple.
The NWS have said that they have been forced to use this updated colour scheme again as “Florence is forecast to bring a large area of rainfall of 20-40 inches” to both North and South Carolina. They add that the threat of catastrophic flooding from Florence cannot be overstated.
(The top image in the tweet below is forecast rainfall as a result of Florence, the bottom two images are rainfall from Harvey last year.)
Last year, we tweeted this: https://t.co/NkOqn3JkRSIt's alarming that it's become relevant again, but #Florence is forecast to bring a large area of rainfall of 20-40" to parts of NC/SC. We cannot overstate the threat of catastrophic flooding this storm will bring! pic.twitter.com/4obR151kFp
Hurricane Florence is expected to bring a life-threatening storm surge to North Carolina and South Carolina.Hurricane Florence is expected to bring a life-threatening storm surge to North Carolina and South Carolina.
Florence began battering the Carolina coast on Thursday, with the storm closing in at 100 mph (155 kph) winds.Florence began battering the Carolina coast on Thursday, with the storm closing in at 100 mph (155 kph) winds.
Historic river flooding is expected in North Carolina, which could potentially cause a dump containing mercury, arsenic and lead to flow into a local water supply.Historic river flooding is expected in North Carolina, which could potentially cause a dump containing mercury, arsenic and lead to flow into a local water supply.
Florence’s winds weakened as it approached land, and the hurricane was downgraded from a Category 4 to a 2.Florence’s winds weakened as it approached land, and the hurricane was downgraded from a Category 4 to a 2.
There have been power outages for more than 80,000 people in North Carolina.There have been power outages for more than 80,000 people in North Carolina.
There are more than more than 12,000 people in 126 shelters in the state, and officials are preparing to open more shelters.There are more than more than 12,000 people in 126 shelters in the state, and officials are preparing to open more shelters.
The governor of Virginia advised residents to shelter in place and stay off the roads on Thursday.The governor of Virginia advised residents to shelter in place and stay off the roads on Thursday.
Nearly 2m coastal residents have faced evacuation orders.Nearly 2m coastal residents have faced evacuation orders.
The hurricane has sparked fears of potential environmental disasters, with waste from hog manure pits, coal ash dumps and other industrial sites possibly washing into homes and water supplies.The hurricane has sparked fears of potential environmental disasters, with waste from hog manure pits, coal ash dumps and other industrial sites possibly washing into homes and water supplies.
Florence is expected to cause historic river flooding and could cause problems for days in parts of North Carolina, according to estimates from local news station WECT.Florence is expected to cause historic river flooding and could cause problems for days in parts of North Carolina, according to estimates from local news station WECT.
The Northeast Cape Fear river at Burgaw has a forecast crest of 24ft, which could surpass the previous record of 22.5ft.The Northeast Cape Fear river at Burgaw has a forecast crest of 24ft, which could surpass the previous record of 22.5ft.
The Cape Fear river at Elizabethtown has a forecast crest of 29.6ft, and flooding is also expected at the Waccamaw river in Pireway, though the amount there is still unknown.The Cape Fear river at Elizabethtown has a forecast crest of 29.6ft, and flooding is also expected at the Waccamaw river in Pireway, though the amount there is still unknown.
The forecast crest is 19.2ft for the Lumber river in Lumberton. Guardian reporter Oliver Laughland has some background on what’s at stake in Lumberton, where rains could cause a dump containing mercury, arsenic and lead to overflow into the water supply:The forecast crest is 19.2ft for the Lumber river in Lumberton. Guardian reporter Oliver Laughland has some background on what’s at stake in Lumberton, where rains could cause a dump containing mercury, arsenic and lead to overflow into the water supply:
Here are a few images from photographers on the ground:Here are a few images from photographers on the ground:
More than 80,000 customers are without power in North Carolina, according to the major electric utilities in the state. Duke Energy estimated that 1m to 3m of its 4m customers in the Carolinas could lose power due to Florence, the AP reports.More than 80,000 customers are without power in North Carolina, according to the major electric utilities in the state. Duke Energy estimated that 1m to 3m of its 4m customers in the Carolinas could lose power due to Florence, the AP reports.
There are now more than 12,000 people in 126 shelters in North Carolina, according to governor Roy Cooper. He said the demand is expected to increase and the state is in the process of opening more shelters.There are now more than 12,000 people in 126 shelters in North Carolina, according to governor Roy Cooper. He said the demand is expected to increase and the state is in the process of opening more shelters.
Cooper has also requested a presidential disaster declaration to expedite the process of receiving federal aid for recovery and cleanup:Cooper has also requested a presidential disaster declaration to expedite the process of receiving federal aid for recovery and cleanup:
Gov. Cooper has requested a presidential disaster declaration to expedite the process of receiving federal aid for cleanup and recovery. https://t.co/aDGlTRdexs pic.twitter.com/HEoXr9oZnBGov. Cooper has requested a presidential disaster declaration to expedite the process of receiving federal aid for cleanup and recovery. https://t.co/aDGlTRdexs pic.twitter.com/HEoXr9oZnB
From the governor’s office:From the governor’s office:
The added disaster declaration would go beyond the federal action already in effect, which is already providing Federal Emergency Management Agency funds and assistance as we prepare for the hurricane. The additional declaration would provide federal help with debris removal as well as FEMA search and rescue teams, disaster medical teams, hazardous material clean up assistance, meals, generators, fuel and more.The added disaster declaration would go beyond the federal action already in effect, which is already providing Federal Emergency Management Agency funds and assistance as we prepare for the hurricane. The additional declaration would provide federal help with debris removal as well as FEMA search and rescue teams, disaster medical teams, hazardous material clean up assistance, meals, generators, fuel and more.
Gov. Northam advises Virginians to stay off the road as Hurricane Florence approaches landfall https://t.co/YU0bmID7ga pic.twitter.com/z37ft7UAJwGov. Northam advises Virginians to stay off the road as Hurricane Florence approaches landfall https://t.co/YU0bmID7ga pic.twitter.com/z37ft7UAJw
The governor of Virginia has now advised residents to stay off the road and stay in place as Florence approaches landfall. From the AP:The governor of Virginia has now advised residents to stay off the road and stay in place as Florence approaches landfall. From the AP:
He says parts of Virginia will likely see tropical storm-force winds, flooding and several inches (centimeters) of rain.He says parts of Virginia will likely see tropical storm-force winds, flooding and several inches (centimeters) of rain.
Although the forecast for Virginia is less severe than earlier in the week, Northam says “now is not the time to let down our guard.”Although the forecast for Virginia is less severe than earlier in the week, Northam says “now is not the time to let down our guard.”
He notes that forecasts for the weekend show a continued threat to southwest Virginia as the storm is expected to make a gradual northerly turn.He notes that forecasts for the weekend show a continued threat to southwest Virginia as the storm is expected to make a gradual northerly turn.
There are now 400 people in shelters across the state, officials said.There are now 400 people in shelters across the state, officials said.
Sam Levin here, continuing our live coverage. Here’s a new alert from the National Weather Service, which has noted that the storm surge is also expected to occur in inlets and rivers, in some cases in excess of 9ft.Sam Levin here, continuing our live coverage. Here’s a new alert from the National Weather Service, which has noted that the storm surge is also expected to occur in inlets and rivers, in some cases in excess of 9ft.
Important note as #Florence continues to close in on the Carolina coastline, storm surge is not just an "ocean" problem tonight. Significant surge is expected to occur in the NC inlets and rivers, some areas in excess of 9 feet! pic.twitter.com/dz5OFR3M4BImportant note as #Florence continues to close in on the Carolina coastline, storm surge is not just an "ocean" problem tonight. Significant surge is expected to occur in the NC inlets and rivers, some areas in excess of 9 feet! pic.twitter.com/dz5OFR3M4B
And an image of the storm surge in New Bern, a riverfront city in North Carolina:And an image of the storm surge in New Bern, a riverfront city in North Carolina:
I think this speaks for itself. Union point in New Bern, North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/1LxtrdCJgYI think this speaks for itself. Union point in New Bern, North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/1LxtrdCJgY
Our freelancer Khushbu Shah is in Wilmington North Carolina where she found a number of folks ready to ride the storm out despite the mandatory evacuation order.Our freelancer Khushbu Shah is in Wilmington North Carolina where she found a number of folks ready to ride the storm out despite the mandatory evacuation order.
Even with an increasingly windy rainfall, neighbors Diane Brown and Bruce Pryor we’re sharing a drink and smoke on Pryor’s from porch a street away from the police HQ. Two pubs and the Waffle House are still open in historic downtown Wilmington. Cape Fear’s co-owner Lector Bennett says he’ll stay open to the dozen people outside drinking until he has to go home and feed his dog. Down the block, an Irish pub, Slainte, will have revelers out front all night.Even with an increasingly windy rainfall, neighbors Diane Brown and Bruce Pryor we’re sharing a drink and smoke on Pryor’s from porch a street away from the police HQ. Two pubs and the Waffle House are still open in historic downtown Wilmington. Cape Fear’s co-owner Lector Bennett says he’ll stay open to the dozen people outside drinking until he has to go home and feed his dog. Down the block, an Irish pub, Slainte, will have revelers out front all night.
A steady stream of police have been circling these main roads, and a few people are still taking leisurely strolls.A steady stream of police have been circling these main roads, and a few people are still taking leisurely strolls.
Rain started coming down in Wilmington – hard for a while, now slow and steady – around 3pm.Rain started coming down in Wilmington – hard for a while, now slow and steady – around 3pm.
Wilmington Police Public Affairs Officer says nearly 300 family members of police officers, along with their dogs, cats, and birds, are sheltering inside the police headquarters.Wilmington Police Public Affairs Officer says nearly 300 family members of police officers, along with their dogs, cats, and birds, are sheltering inside the police headquarters.
The river behind the Waffle House and bars is moving quicker now, flowing faster.The river behind the Waffle House and bars is moving quicker now, flowing faster.
Bruce and Diane are neighbors and they’re not afraid of Florence as they share a smoke and drink on Bruce’s patio. He says, “I’m not worried. This isn’t my first rodeo.” #HurricanceFlorence pic.twitter.com/REoR2TRJLfBruce and Diane are neighbors and they’re not afraid of Florence as they share a smoke and drink on Bruce’s patio. He says, “I’m not worried. This isn’t my first rodeo.” #HurricanceFlorence pic.twitter.com/REoR2TRJLf
It might seem like counter-intuitive device during a storm when floodwaters are expected, but Fema calls this “critical advice” for those in the storm’s path noting that the combination of soggy, water-saturated ground and hurricane force winds can easily topple even massive trees. Staying in interior rooms on the ground floor reduce the risk that a tree falling on a home will cause injury or death.It might seem like counter-intuitive device during a storm when floodwaters are expected, but Fema calls this “critical advice” for those in the storm’s path noting that the combination of soggy, water-saturated ground and hurricane force winds can easily topple even massive trees. Staying in interior rooms on the ground floor reduce the risk that a tree falling on a home will cause injury or death.
.@NC_Governor Cooper: Stay in a secure space, especially when the wind is high, and on the lowest level of your home (especially when you sleep), as trees can fall. #FlorenceNC #ncwx.@NC_Governor Cooper: Stay in a secure space, especially when the wind is high, and on the lowest level of your home (especially when you sleep), as trees can fall. #FlorenceNC #ncwx
This video from Weather Nation is a frightening demonstration of how powerful even a few inches of storm surge can be, as it knocks a wall in North Carolina off its frame.This video from Weather Nation is a frightening demonstration of how powerful even a few inches of storm surge can be, as it knocks a wall in North Carolina off its frame.
Storm surge is the deadliest consequence of hurricanes and we're already seeing some effects from Florence. Watch as an interior wall is ripped off a frame from a beach house near the coastline as captured by our field correspondents. pic.twitter.com/nc5MyC9ckNStorm surge is the deadliest consequence of hurricanes and we're already seeing some effects from Florence. Watch as an interior wall is ripped off a frame from a beach house near the coastline as captured by our field correspondents. pic.twitter.com/nc5MyC9ckN
FEMA reminds that, whether its storm surge or inland flash flooding, it takes just 6in of floodwater to knock a person down, and two feet worth to carry away a vehicle.FEMA reminds that, whether its storm surge or inland flash flooding, it takes just 6in of floodwater to knock a person down, and two feet worth to carry away a vehicle.
Don’t focus on the category of the storm. Hurricane #Florence will slow down as it approaches the coast & moves inland. This will cause extremely dangerous flooding.Make sure you have multiple ways to get local weather alerts— through your phone 📱, weather radio 📻, and TV 📺. pic.twitter.com/CqX98wH2LvDon’t focus on the category of the storm. Hurricane #Florence will slow down as it approaches the coast & moves inland. This will cause extremely dangerous flooding.Make sure you have multiple ways to get local weather alerts— through your phone 📱, weather radio 📻, and TV 📺. pic.twitter.com/CqX98wH2Lv
It its most recent update the National Hurricane Center is advising that “little change in strength is expected before the eye of Florence reaches the coast”.It its most recent update the National Hurricane Center is advising that “little change in strength is expected before the eye of Florence reaches the coast”.
This means that in all likelihood, the costal Carolinas will receive the full brunt of category 2-force, 100mph winds.This means that in all likelihood, the costal Carolinas will receive the full brunt of category 2-force, 100mph winds.
The NHC suggests that storms with that wind power will typically lead to the following:The NHC suggests that storms with that wind power will typically lead to the following:
Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
According to NHC, Hurricane-force winds currently extend outward up to 80 miles from the center of Florence, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles.According to NHC, Hurricane-force winds currently extend outward up to 80 miles from the center of Florence, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles.
Currently Florence is pushing out maximum sustained winds of 100mph and moving WNW at a sluggish 5mph – which could inflate rainfall totals and increase the number of areas that experience catastrophic flooding.Currently Florence is pushing out maximum sustained winds of 100mph and moving WNW at a sluggish 5mph – which could inflate rainfall totals and increase the number of areas that experience catastrophic flooding.
The storm is 100 miles ESE of Wilmington, North Carolina, and 155 miles east of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.The storm is 100 miles ESE of Wilmington, North Carolina, and 155 miles east of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Latest WPC guidance has expanded the coverage area for extreme rainfall/flooding as #Florence slows down. 15-30" rainfall amounts now likely to expand into parts of SC. A catastrophic event is unfolding. pic.twitter.com/PBUjOynpmYLatest WPC guidance has expanded the coverage area for extreme rainfall/flooding as #Florence slows down. 15-30" rainfall amounts now likely to expand into parts of SC. A catastrophic event is unfolding. pic.twitter.com/PBUjOynpmY
I’m here in Myrtle Beach with my colleague Adam Gabbatt.I’m here in Myrtle Beach with my colleague Adam Gabbatt.
The winds here are not yet as strong as they are a few hundred miles north, outside of Wilmington, North Carolina. The latest forecast suggests that the strongest winds will arrive here early tomorrow morning, with rain and serious flooding forecast throughout the area.The winds here are not yet as strong as they are a few hundred miles north, outside of Wilmington, North Carolina. The latest forecast suggests that the strongest winds will arrive here early tomorrow morning, with rain and serious flooding forecast throughout the area.
I just got back from the coast where all the city’s fairground rides have been closed off. Although there were still a few revelers taking a stroll along the beach. Almost every petrol station here has shut down – bar one garage a few miles from our hotel where the line for gas and supplies snaked around the building.I just got back from the coast where all the city’s fairground rides have been closed off. Although there were still a few revelers taking a stroll along the beach. Almost every petrol station here has shut down – bar one garage a few miles from our hotel where the line for gas and supplies snaked around the building.
Every gas station I’ve passed from Wilmington to Myrtle Beach is completely dry. #Florence pic.twitter.com/g6lcnHZDisEvery gas station I’ve passed from Wilmington to Myrtle Beach is completely dry. #Florence pic.twitter.com/g6lcnHZDis
At this point forecasters are expecting at least 9ft of costal storm surge with some estimates as high as 13ft.At this point forecasters are expecting at least 9ft of costal storm surge with some estimates as high as 13ft.
In case you’re having trouble visualizing what 9ft of storm surge looks like, The Weather Channel’s Erika Navarro has this virtual look of what some in Florence’s path could be up against.In case you’re having trouble visualizing what 9ft of storm surge looks like, The Weather Channel’s Erika Navarro has this virtual look of what some in Florence’s path could be up against.
Storm surge will be a huge factor for Hurricane #Florence Check out what it might look like with @TWCErikaNavarro: pic.twitter.com/TPqTZTmiAMStorm surge will be a huge factor for Hurricane #Florence Check out what it might look like with @TWCErikaNavarro: pic.twitter.com/TPqTZTmiAM
Storm surge is the swelling mass of water from the ocean that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the the storm.Storm surge is the swelling mass of water from the ocean that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the the storm.
The steady battering power of Florence’s winds are well illustrated in video footage from atop a decommissioned lighthouse off the North Carolina coast. An NBC periscope feed from the Frying Pan Tower showed the winds steadily picking up over the course of four hours, eventually shearing an American flag.The steady battering power of Florence’s winds are well illustrated in video footage from atop a decommissioned lighthouse off the North Carolina coast. An NBC periscope feed from the Frying Pan Tower showed the winds steadily picking up over the course of four hours, eventually shearing an American flag.
Hurricane Florence is continuing to push towards a landfall around the North Carolina/South Carolina border, and is beginning to lash the central Atlantic seaboard with damaging winds and storm surge. As of Thursday afternoon the storm was generating sustained winds of 105mph, as storm surge water has begun to rush into homes and streets along beachside communities.Hurricane Florence is continuing to push towards a landfall around the North Carolina/South Carolina border, and is beginning to lash the central Atlantic seaboard with damaging winds and storm surge. As of Thursday afternoon the storm was generating sustained winds of 105mph, as storm surge water has begun to rush into homes and streets along beachside communities.
Breaking Weather: Storm Surge North Topsail Beach. Sand dunes gone storm surge 4’ into house knocking down walls first floor. #HurricaneFlorence #ncwx @NWSWilmingtonNC pic.twitter.com/HTADNMPSeYBreaking Weather: Storm Surge North Topsail Beach. Sand dunes gone storm surge 4’ into house knocking down walls first floor. #HurricaneFlorence #ncwx @NWSWilmingtonNC pic.twitter.com/HTADNMPSeY
Nearly 2 million coastal residents are now under mandatory evacuation orders, although it remains unclear how many have actually done so. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) have warned that failure to do so could be potentially deadly. Another 8 million people live in areas covered by hurricane and tropical storm warnings.Nearly 2 million coastal residents are now under mandatory evacuation orders, although it remains unclear how many have actually done so. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) have warned that failure to do so could be potentially deadly. Another 8 million people live in areas covered by hurricane and tropical storm warnings.
Storm surge is deadly. Anyone in an evacuation zone in the Carolinas and Virginia must leave NOW if they haven't yet. #Florence https://t.co/m3BKPoX5q4Storm surge is deadly. Anyone in an evacuation zone in the Carolinas and Virginia must leave NOW if they haven't yet. #Florence https://t.co/m3BKPoX5q4
Preceded first by the storm surge and the winds, heavy rains were picking up as of late Thursday afternoon, the beginning of an onslaught that for some areas may not relent for days. Forecasters are predicting as much as 40in of rain in some localized areas.Preceded first by the storm surge and the winds, heavy rains were picking up as of late Thursday afternoon, the beginning of an onslaught that for some areas may not relent for days. Forecasters are predicting as much as 40in of rain in some localized areas.
We’ll be tracking developments on this blog overnight and into tomorrow morning when the hurricane’s eyewall, the most damaging part, is expected to make landfall.We’ll be tracking developments on this blog overnight and into tomorrow morning when the hurricane’s eyewall, the most damaging part, is expected to make landfall.