RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Hurricane Florence has slightly increased in speed as it heads toward the U.S. East Coast.
The National Hurricane Center said Tuesday morning that Florence is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph (24 kmh) and the storm will continue a slight increase in speed during the next couple of days.
Below is information on Hurricane Florence and the hurricane watch that is now in effect.
– A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Sampson and Wayne
– A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Cumberland,
Edgecombe, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Scotland, and Wilson
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
– A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Sampson and Wayne
– A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Cumberland, Edgecombe,
Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Scotland, and Wilson
* STORM INFORMATION:
– About 1070 miles east-southeast of Raleigh NC or about 1060
miles east-southeast of Fayetteville NC
– 26.4N 64.1W
– Storm Intensity 140 mph
– Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 15 mph
Dangerous Hurricane Florence is expected to approach the Carolina coast on Thursday and then slowly drift west and north, impacting central North Carolina into the weekend. The main concern is for a prolonged, life threatening flooding event. Florence may produce rainfall accumulations of 10 to 15 inches across central North Carolina, especially across the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flash flooding and prolonged river flooding. In addition, strong sustained winds of 30 to 50 mph are expected, spreading from southeastern North Carolina toward the northwest from Thursday afternoon through at least Friday night. Gusts in excess of 60 mph are possible. Impacts may include damage to trees and power lines, resulting in power outages, along with damage to weak or poorly built structures. Finally, there is a potential for isolated to scattered tornadoes from Thursday afternoon into at least Friday.
