Florence Still A Category 4 Storm

This morning Hurricane Florence is still a strong category 4 Hurricane and is on a direct path for the coasts of North Carolina & South Carolina. Storm surge could top 20’ in some locations, and all who live on the coast in these two states have been asked to evacuate. Below you can see the most recent run of the GFS model (6z Wednesday). Most models have began to hit on a storm that traverses the coast from basically Wilmington south to Myrtle Beach. Then the storm moves inland. This would be a nightmare scenario for the Coasts of NC & SC. Sadly, there is a god chance this solution is not to far off from what actually happens.

Also below is the Wednesday 6z HMON Model Simulated Radar Depiction. This model does not have the eye lingering as long on the coast, but still brings the storm into WNC.

Florence’s Impact On WNC

It has become more apparent over the past few model runs, that a ridge will kick Florence into the US and push it right into WNC. Impacts will begin sometime on Saturday, and the exact extent of those impacts are virtually unknown at this point in time. Rainfall amounts in WNC could exceed 10” in some locations by this early next week as some models have Florence lingering for an extended period of time. Winds could gust over Tropical Storm force and power outages could become a problem. I have my eye on this one and will continue to cover it up until the storm is over. Check back soon for another article.