The Monday evening update from the National Hurricane Center shows Florence isn't done gaining energy. The category 4 hurricane now has max sustained winds at 140 MPH with gusts near 200 MPH. Compared to earlier forecast in the day, there was little change to the forecast track. Florence is still on track to make a late Thursday landfall somewhere between Charleston, South Carolina and the Outter Banks. Most forecast models are trending towards southeastern N.C. near the Wilmington area. 

Regardless of the exact landfall location, the Carolinas look to receive a direct impact from this major hurricane. Here in North Carolina there's a growing potential many will deal with destructive winds, devastating flooding and possible tornadoes. The best chance of this occuring are for areas along and east of I-95. But these potential hazards extend far inland covering the Sandhills, the Triangle and Triad area. Yes the odds are lower but the potential for highly impactful weather is there, so we must take this storm seriously.

Potential Coastal Impacts

A story of this magnitude can cause cause catastrophic damage due to storm surge and destructive winds. Significant 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

Tropical systems weaken as they move inland but can still produce destructive winds well inland from the coast. Trends in the data have shown a more eastward shift. But the track still places the storm over central North Carolina Friday as a weak category 1 hurricane or a strong tropical storm. This will still bring powerful winds and intervals of heavy rain for areas like the Triangle and the Sandhills. 

There are even some computer model forecasts suggesting 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.