Hurricane Florence: Carney tells residents to prepare as storm takes aim at Southeast

It's still unclear just what impact Hurricane Florence will have on Delaware, but Gov. John Carney is advising that residents prepare for the coming storm regardless. 

"The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Florence, as well as Hurricane Isaac farther out in the Atlantic," Carney said in a statement Sunday. 

"Delawareans and visitors should be prepared in the event that Delaware feels an impact from the storm," he said. "It is still too early to tell what impact Delaware will experience, but it is never too early to plan and ensure you are prepared." 

Tropical Storm Florence turned into a hurricane Sunday morning and swirled toward the U.S. for what forecasters said could be a direct hit on the Southeast toward the end of the week.

Now moving at nearly 7 mph, Tropical Storm Florence is picking up speed. The center of Florence will move over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas Tuesday and Wednesday and may make landfall sometime Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

The storm returned to a Category 1 status as maximum sustained winds reached 85 mph by Sunday evening – about a 20-mph increase over the weekend.

But that’s just the beginning.

The most recent forecast discussion by the National Hurricane Center expect Hurricane Florence to reach Category 4 status within 48 hours. At Category 4, Florence could produce winds around 130-156 mph.

“There is an increasing risk of two life-threatening impacts from Florence: storm surge at the coast and freshwater flooding from a prolonged heavy rainfall event inland,” forecasters advise. “While it is too soon to determine the exact timing, location, and magnitude of these impacts, interests at the coast and inland from South Carolina into the mid-Atlantic region should closely monitor the progress of Florence, ensure they have their hurricane plan in place, and follow any advice given by local officials.”

Hurricane Florence has also physically grown during her journey across the Atlantic, with potentially damaging winds now reaching up to 125 miles from the center of the storm.

No coastal watches or warnings have been issued. As of the 5 p.m. Sunday update, the storm is still far away – about 720 miles from Bermuda. Even at that distance, meteorologists say the storm will create life-threatening surf and rip currents along the East Coast this week.

Dangerous swells generated by Florence affected Bermuda and have begun to reach parts of the Eastern Seaboard.

The National Weather Center warned of dangerous rip currents in popular tourist areas like Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks. Advisories warning of dangerous beach conditions or coastal flooding were in effect for parts of Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

There was some localized flooding in Delaware Sunday, in low lying areas, and along the tidal Delaware River, downstream from the Commodore Barry Bridge area and the extreme upper part of Delaware Bay. 

High tide occurs between 10:00 p.m and 12:00 a.m. Sunday, and between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday. One to two feet of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible near the shoreline and tidal waterways, according to the National Weather Service. At that level, additional roadways near the bay, the river and tidal tributaries may also flood.

The Miami-based Hurricane Center said that it was still too early to predict the hurricane's exact path but that a huge coastal area from South Carolina to the mid-Atlantic region should prepare for a major strike late in the week.

"All indications are that Florence will be an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane while it moves over the western Atlantic toward the southeastern United States," the hurricane center said. A Category 4 storm packs winds of 130 mph (209 kph) or more and has the potential for catastrophic damage.

The governors of North and South Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency to give them time to prepare, and the Navy said ships in Virginia's Hampton Roads area would leave port for their own safety.

A government website suggests that before landfall next week, East Coasters should locate a storm shelter, find the best room in their home, gather supplies to last three days and declutter drains and gutters. 

Hurricane Florence isn’t the only system stirring up trouble in the Atlantic.

To her east, there are two other storms brewing: Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to reach hurricane status by Monday, and Hurricane Helene, which also hit the windspeed threshold for an upgrade to hurricane status on Sunday.

Isaac was reaching hurricane status Sunday night as the system headed west at 12 mph toward the Caribbean. Described by forecasters as a “tiny tropical cyclone,” this storm is expected to lose strength as it approaches the Lesser Antilles, the National Hurricane Center said.

Hurricane Helen is expected to move west and then northwest in coming days. Warnings for the Cabo Verde Islands have been discontinued, and models show the storm remaining well offshore.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency also offers tips on preparing:

• Make arrangements for pets.
• Protect windows.
• Check into flood insurance.
• Fuel up cars.
• Teach family to turn off gas, electricity and water.
• Pack a portable radio with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, emergency water, medications, sturdy shoes and cash.

Find more tips and information online at preparede.org and de.gov/weather. 

Frequently asked questions 

When will we have a better idea of whether Florence poses a threat? 

Each day brings a clearer picture of the risks posed by the storms. Jeff Masters,co-founder of the Weather Underground service, says airplanes gathering weather information began flying into Florence on Saturday, which should provide data that will lead to a major boost in the reliability of models on Sunday.

What factors give Florence a chance of being a particularly strong hurricane? 

By the time it reaches the East Coast, Florence could strengthen into a major hurricane. Winds higher up in Florence have been weakening, giving it time to gather itself and gain strength over the ocean, experts say. And it's also approaching water where the temperature is slightly warmer than average, providing heat that the storm can convert into stronger winds.

How should people in areas vulnerable to hurricanes stay prepared? 

Residents in evacuation zones are urged to have a plan to flee if the order comes. Others should have at least a week's supply of food, water and medication for their families and their pets.

Brian McNoldy, a senior researcher at the University of Miami's school of marine and atmospheric science, says residents who stick it out should have gas cans to fuel their cars and powergenerators, and should take out some cash in case electronic payment systems are down after the storms pass.

To avoid a headache down the line, residents are also encouraged to keep insurance documents in a safe place ahead of time.

What expectations do forecasters have for the rest of the hurricane season?

The second week of September is the peak of hurricane season, so the flurry of activity is no surprise to forecasters. After the current round of storms, though, long-range models suggest a lull for several weeks.

Masters said there's a chance for another active period by mid-October, which would mark the end of the busiest stretch of the season.

"I don't think we're quite done yet," he said, "but certainly as far as September goes, this is the big week."

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This story includes information from The Associated Press. Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicajbies.