Hurricane Florence Approaching SE Coast, Could Impact Georgia

ATLANTA, GA -- Hurricane Florence continues to move closer to the Southeastern coast, and some local forecasters are calling for the possibility of major rain to parts of Georgia. At 8 am, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the dangerous storm is continuing to head toward the southeast coast, and is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges and rainfall to portions of the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states. The storm was about 530 miles off Cape Fear, NC, with 130 mph winds.

The NHC said Florence is expected to slow down considerably by late Thursday into Friday, and move slowly through early Saturday. The center of Florence will move over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas today, and approach the coast of North Carolina or South Carolina in the hurricane warning area on Thursday and Friday.

New models show the storm could track to the Southeast, bringing the possibility of major rain to parts of Georgia. If the storm does stall along the Carolina coast, then moves into South Carolina, "it could become a big rain maker for parts of Georgia," said WSB-TV Meteorologist Karen Minton.

Strengthening is forecast through tonight. While some weakening is expected on Thursday, Florence is forecast to be an extremely dangerous major hurricane when it nears the U.S. coast, according to the NHC.

"This storm is ... nothing like you've ever seen," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said. "Even if you've ridden out storms before, this one is different. Don't bet your life on riding out a monster." Hundreds of thousands of people have already evacuated major residential areas throughout the region.

Storm surge and hurricane warnings are in effect throughout North and South Carolina and other mid-Atlantic states, but nothing in Georgia yet.

More coverage on Florence's impact on Georgia from Patch:

• Atlanta Motor Speedway Opening Campgrounds To Florence Evacuees
• Georgia Not Expected To Feel Florence's Wrath, If It Doesn't Turn
• Animals Being Brought To Atlanta Before Hurricane Florence

(Stay on top of all the latest Hurricane Florence news with our free, real-time news alerts, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

See safety and preparedness tips below that you should do before the storm gets closer to the US coast.
Florence is the first storm above category 3 to form this season and has formed as the Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak. Where the storm tracks will depend on several weather systems, high pressure in the Eastern United States and northern Atlantic Ocean, and a low-pressure trough making its way across the country, CNN says.

Hurricane Preparation Tips

• Get Prepared: Take action now to be prepared for hurricane season. As the storm approaches, it is often
• too late to get ready. Make sure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your
• emergency supply kit, and evaluate your flood insurance needs.
• Complete a family communication plan. Plan how you will assemble your family and loved ones and anticipate where you will go for different situations. Get together with your family and agree on the ways to contact one another in an emergency and identify meeting locations.

• Create or restock your emergency kit. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency, including an all weather radio.

• Check your insurance coverage. Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding. Review your policy, ensure you're adequately covered and understand exclusions, and contact your agent for any changes.
• Stay Informed. Know where to go for trusted sources of information during a hurricane event. Monitor local news resources for hurricane watches and warnings and follow directions of local officials.

• Determine Your Risk. Find out what types of wind and water hazards are likely in your area. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem and their effects can reach hundreds of miles inland. Since the U.S. has not been hit by a major hurricane (category 3 or higher) in over a decade, "many people are suffering from hurricane amnesia in the forms of complacency, denial and inexperience."
• Develop an Evacuation Plan. Find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if your home is unfit to keep you safe in a hurricane. Speak with family and friends and work out a plan to use their home as an evacuation destination. Be sure to account for pets, since many shelters do not allow them.
• Assemble Disaster Supplies. Supplies are necessary not just for the storm itself, but for the often long and grueling aftermath. Stock up on non-perishable food, water and medicine to support your family for at least a week. Other recommended items are cash and battery-powered radios and flashlights. Since many of us use cell phones, have a solar-powered or hand-crank USB charger.
• Know Your Risk and Plan Ahead for an Evacuation:
• Know how to receive information including recommendations or orders to evacuate.
• If you plan to go to a shelter, notify staff of any special needs you or your family have.
• Do not return to the evacuation area until the evacuation order is lifted.

Get Tech Ready
Technology has made it easier to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable during big storms if you haven't planned to keep your gadgets protected and powered up. Here are some tips to make sure you are tech ready:

Be Informed

Here are basic commands to get started:

• Download the FEMA app. Receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States. To search for open shelters (for disaster survivors): text SHELTER and to 43362 (4FEMA).

Make A Social Media Plan

• Use text messages, social media and email to connect with friends and family during emergencies.
  • Mobile networks can become overwhelmed during emergencies, making it difficult to place and receive phone calls. Text messages require less bandwidth, which means they are able to be transmitted more reliably.
  • Social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter can also be an effective way to update family and friends during emergencies. Sign up for Direct Deposit and electronic banking through your financial institution so you can access your payroll funds and make electronic payments wherever you are. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795. Residents readying for a storm can get tips and advice on the federal government's Ready.gov website. To keep up with potential storms during hurricane season, bookmark the National Hurricane Center's website. For local weather and severe weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service online.

Image by the National Hurricane Center