Vulnerable Areas of the East Coast Brace for Hurricane Florence
According to the last updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Florence remains a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. It is expected to slow down by late Thursday, bringing heavy rains lasting for days. The NHC emphasized that Florence will be “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” when it arrives at the coast.
The coastline along North and South Carolina is particularly vulnerable to the hazards posed by Florence, such as storm surge and catastrophic flooding. As discussed by the Associated Press (AP) on Tuesday morning, much of the North Carolina coastline is flanked by low-lying barrier islands which have been heavily developed in recent years. “It’s not a worst-case scenario for property damage,” said Robert S. Young, Director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines out of Duke University, because “[m]any of these communities have tried to limit development. But there’s still a lot of property value there. The damage still might be catastrophic on a North Carolina scale.”
NOAA’s GOES satellite imagery of Hurricane Florence as of September 12, 2018
While Florence is not anticipated to reach land until Friday, winds will arrive along the East Coast prior to the storm itself. During the NHC’s 11:00 am EDT public advisory, it cautioned that “winds are expected to first reach tropical storm strength on Thursday, making outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.” The NHC’s map below shows the anticipated arrival times of winds as early on Thursday.
NOAA NHC’s Hurricane Florence Wind Forecast as of 11:00 am EDT 9/12/18
EVACUATIONS
With dangerous winds anticipated to arrive overnight, the window of time to evacuate safely is closing. 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:
PUBLIC ADVISORIES
Here’s the latest list of public advisories from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) 11:00 AM EDT, September 12, 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 Duck North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border
- Tropical Storm Watch in effect for the following:
- North of the North Carolina/Virginia border to Cape Charles Light Virginia
- Chesapeake Bay south of New Point Comfort
EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS
- Emergencies declared by governors in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
- President Trump has declared emergencies for South Carolina (EM-3400), North Carolina (EM-3401), and Virginia (EM-3403)
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.