Hurricane Florence strengthened into a category 2 storm Monday morning and is expected to continue to rapidly strengthen over the next couple of days. The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center brings the storm up to category 4 strength through midweek with winds up to 150 mph.

It appears the storm may weaken just slightly below its peak strength before making landfall. However, the storm may still be a category 4 hurricane when it moves inland.

The last category 4 storm to directly hit South Carolina was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The last and only category 4 storm on record to hit North Carolina was Hurricane Hazel in 1954.

It is still too early for anyone to accurately predict the exact location where Florence will move inland. Many computer models are projecting the storm will hit somewhere along the coast of South or North Carolina Thursday evening.

It is also still a little too early to forecast specific impacts from the storm for any location in the Carolinas. Those details should become more certain over the next couple of days.

Everyone in the region - whether you live at the coast or inland - should continue to make preparations for the storm. All of those preparations should be complete by midday Wednesday at the coast and Wednesday night for inland areas.

Potential coastal impacts

A category 4 hurricane can cause catastrophic damage due to storm surge and destructive winds. Major damage is possible to even well built, framed homes including the loss of roof structure and exterior walls. Most trees would be snapped or uprooted along with power poles. Power outages could last for weeks. Locations that have been directly hit by a category 4 hurricane in the past have been uninhabitable for weeks.

Coastal residents should be prepared to evacuate if and when local officials issue evacuation orders.  

Potential inland impacts

Hurricanes weaken as they move inland but can still produce destructive winds well inland from the coast. Depending on the exact path of the storm, power outages even in the central Carolinas could last for up to a week.

In additIon to the powerful winds, computer model forecasts suggest Florence may slow down or even stall after it moves inland. That could prolong a period of heavy rain across inland areas leading to devastating flooding.  

Inland residents should be prepared with enough supplies such as water, batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food in the event power outages last for up to a week.

Evacuations are not needed for inland residents unless you think your home cannot withstand the wind speeds forecast for your location or if you live in a flood prone area. More detailed forecast for wind speed and rainfall will be available over the next day or two.

Stay tuned to Spectrum News for continuing coverage as we prepare for Hurricane Florence.

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