Hurricane Florence Downgraded to Category 2, But Dangerous Hazards Remain a Threat
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded Hurricane Florence to a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. However, this downgrade in category does not diminish the threats posed by the storm. As the NHC discussed this morning, Florence is anticipated to be very slow moving once it arrives on land and that lingering rain and storm surge will have severe impacts such as flooding. The NHC stated, “we have to focus on the impacts and that often is independent of the category. The slower and larger the storm, the more impacts you can see independent of the category since the category only covers the wind.”
NOAA NHC’s Hurricane Florence Forecast Cone as of 11:00 am EDT 9/13/18
The NHC noted, “90% of fatalities in these tropical systems…is the water. Water, water, water.” As is visible in the NHC storm surge maps, the threat of storm surge and flooding extends inland beyond the coastline.
Do not focus on the wind speed category of #Hurricane #Florence! Life-threatening storm surge flooding, catastrophic flash flooding and prolonged significant river flooding are still expected. More: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/eiD4c8pkRx
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 13, 2018
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also cautions that those in Florence’s path should not focus on wind speeds, but focus on the very real dangers brought on by flooding.
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/CqX98wH2Lv
— FEMA (@fema) September 13, 2018
PUBLIC ADVISORIES
Here’s the latest list of public advisories from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) 11:00 AM EDT, September 13, 2018 update:
- Storm Surge Warning in effect for the following:
- South Santee River South Carolina to Duck North Carolina
- Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, including the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers
- Storm Surge Watch in effect for the following:
- Edisto Beach South Carolina to South Santee River South Carolina
- North of Duck North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border
- Hurricane Warning in effect for the following:
- South Santee River South Carolina to Duck North Carolina
- Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds
- Hurricane Watch in effect for the following:
- Edisto Beach South Carolina to South Santee River South Carolina
- Tropical Storm Warning in effect for the following:
- North of the North Carolina/Virginia border to Cape Charles Light Virginia
- Chesapeake Bay south of New Point Comfort
EVACUATIONS AND EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS
With Hurricane Florence approaching the coastline, the window of time to evacuate safely is almost closed. Many counties and communities along the eastern coastline have ordered mandatory and voluntary evacuations to residents, evacuation zones and routes can be found on the following:
Emergencies have been declared by governors in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia.
Hagerty will continue to monitor Florence’s movements and provide critical updates on Disaster Discourse this week. If you are in the path of the storm, please heed guidance from your state and local officials.
Resources:
Below is a list of information resources to be prepared for hurricanes and hazardous weather:
Hagerty Consulting is an emergency management consulting firm that helps clients prepare for and recover from disasters. Established in 2001, Hagerty’s work includes some of the nation’s largest recovery and preparedness projects in more than 30 states, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Sandy. The firm is (and has been) consistently recognized throughout the industry for its innovative thinking, client-centric service, and the superior results it delivers to every project. Hagerty professionals reside in all 10 FEMA regions; the firm’s offices are in Evanston, Illinois (corporate headquarters); Austin, Texas; and Washington, D.C. Learn more about how our Recovery and Preparedness Divisions can help you this hurricane season.