The storm is moving steadily toward the Carolinas’ coastal areas. Most of the North and South Carolina coastlines are under storm surge and hurricane warnings or watches.
According to the NHC forecast at 5 p.m. on Sept. 12, the storm is forecast to slow down near the coast of North and South Carolina before it passes over the states and into Georgia. The forecast “cone of uncertainty” shows that Florence might severely affect the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee by Monday.
The states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland have all declared states of emergency ahead of Florence.
President Donald Trump has states of emergency for North and South Carolina along with Virginia.
Millions Could Lose Power
Duke Energy told The Associated Press that damage from Hurricane Florence could cut off electricity to three-quarters of some 4 million customers in the Carolinas. The outages could last for weeks.The country’s No. 2 power company said Wednesday that it’s anticipating 1 million to 3 million homes and businesses could lose power for lengthy periods, depending on the storm’s track.
Duke Energy North Carolina President David Fountain said Florence is so massive and its potential for damage so extensive that people could be without power for a very long time. Fountain said most storms are an inconvenience, “but Hurricane Florence will be a life-changing event for many people here in the Carolinas.”
“Precautionary preparations for major flooding are advised,” Kottlowski said. “People should expect not only travel disruptions but also disruptions to daily activities related to work or school.”