Hurricane Florence has been making a dangerous and terrifying impact, particularly in the Carolina’s. The catastrophic blows of the hurricane that was downgraded to a tropical storm then picked up enough momentum to become a hurricane again are seemingly unending.
In North Carolina, 750,000+ residences and businesses have lost electricity.
There has already been approximately 30 inches of rain fallen so far, with an anticipated 40 inches, and an additional 10-15 inches more in certain areas.
There have been more than ten confirmed deaths related to the storm, both in North Carolina and South Carolina, some directly due to it and others more indirectly, while some are still being determined if it’s actually considered to be storm-related at all: 2 died when a tree fell on their home, 2 died in a house fire, 1 man fell and struck his head during evacuation, 3 more were taken in a flash flood, 1 death due to the inability of rescuers to reach her during a heart attack, 1 man was electrocuted outdoors plugging in an extension cord, 1 who was knocked down and killed by strong winds outside (50+mph), 1 woman died after she struck a tree while attempting to drive to safety, and 2 more died due to carbon monoxide poisoning from running their generator inside their home. Two other deaths have been confirmed, though there is no confirmation that/how they are related to the storm.
There’s been over 400 survivors rescued from the floods thus far and over 100 more still in need.
Governor Roy Cooper states, “Our predictions show that the Lumber and Cape Fear rivers will crest significantly higher than they did with Hurricane Matthew.” (Hurricane Matthew 2016, category 5, sustained winds of 165mph, 603 fatalities, $15.09 billion in damages, many homes and businesses are still bouncing back from Matthew)
Areas closer to the coastline have experienced 90mph winds, heavy surf, and torrential rains.
Waterways across the Carolina’s have swelled to record-breaking levels, some over 20 feet above their average levels.
Florence is now slowly moving inward through the Carolina’s. As this occurs, locals have been advised of major flooding, river floods and flash floods, as well as stronger than normal winds, and possible landslides.
Residents have been warned that while the wind has backed off some, the torrential downpour is likely to continue through the weekend, producing flash floods and possible landslides, making it difficult for evacuees to return home and assess the damage ahead.
As this storm continues, all anyone can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.