NORTH CAROLINA -- Florence should begin a steady and possibly even rapid, intensification process today into early in the work week. Along the future track of the system, the ocean temperatures are very warm and the atmospheric conditions should be favorable for strengthening.
- Florence will likely be a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) as it approaches the Southeast coast later this week
- Now is the time to make preparations ahead of the system
- Florence has a good chance of slowing to a crawl or even stalling out Friday into the weekend
The result? Florence will likely be a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) as it approaches the Southeast coast later this week.
Remember, when you look at the forecast track (above), do not focus on a specific point, but look at the entire cone of possibilities. As of this typing, a landfall at any location along the South or North Carolina coast remains within the realm of possibility.
Now is the time to make preparations ahead of the system. Along and near the coast, in the general vicinity of the eventual landfall spot, destructive winds and very significant storm surge problems are likely. We will refine where that landfall location will be as the week unfolds.
Florence has a good chance of slowing to a crawl or even stalling out Friday into the weekend. For inland Carolina locations, there is a possibility of extenive, flooding rains. At this point, it is the eastern half of the state that looks most prone to the chance but that will be determined by the exact track Florence takes and it is simply too soon to nail that down with certainty.
Our news team will have full coverage as Florence approaches the coast later this week.
For tips on how to prepare for this storm, click here.