Confidence Increasing that Florence will Approach East Coast as Major Hurricane

Confidence is increasing that Florence will approach the East Coast as a major hurricane, per the Sunday morning update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

The probability of hurricane force winds is increasing across eastern North Carolina, and Florence will intensify rapidly over the next few days, and will likely become a hurricane again today.

The risk of direct impacts later this week continues to increase as well, with tropical storm force winds forecast to arrive as early as Wednesday evening. Per the NWS, visitors and residents should expect these probabilities to continue to increase for coastal North Carolina unless significant changes are made to the forecast track in the next few days.

A high threat of dangerous rip currents north of Cape Lookout to Duck is also forecast for Sunday, but large, dangerous surf is expected everywhere on the Outer Banks this week. Coastal erosion and ocean overwash is also possible as early as late Sunday on the Outer Banks.

Dare County Emergency Management advises visitors and residents to ensure that their emergency kit is properly stocked, and that their emergency plan, including possible evacuation, is ready to implement should protective actions become necessary. For preparedness tips and information, visit www.readync.org.

For more info on Florence, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather forecast information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.