WILMINGTON — Hurricane Florence continues its path towards Wilmington and remains a Category 4 storm – but predictions now show the storm stalling over land and taking a more southerly route over the weekend into Monday.
The latest prediction shows Florence traveling north along the Virginia coast, and then tacking south back through North Carolina, bringing additional rain to the coast, before heading west to Northwest Georgia.
“The eye of Florence remains very distinct in infrared satellite imagery this morning. There has been little change to the cloud top temperatures surrounding the eye overnight, however, the overall cloud shield and central dense overcast has become slightly more symmetric …,” according to the National Hurricane Center.
“These conditions favor some strengthening, but eyewall replacement cycles could cause some fluctuations in intensity during that time. After that time, an increase in southwesterly shear, upwelling, and interaction with land is likely to lead to some weakening, however, Florence is expected to remain a dangerous major hurricane as it approaches the coastline.”
Strong winds, storm surge, and flash flooding are major concerns for Florence and rains in excess of 20 inches can be expected in the Cape Fear region.
A hurricane warning along with a storm surge warning has been issued for Wilmington and surrounding areas.
“A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations … A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” according to the NHC.
Hurricane force winds can be expected up to 70-miles from the center of the storm, and tropical storm force winds can reach up to 175-miles.
