Hurricane Florence inching toward NC as scramble to prepare continues
"After 24 years in this industry, this one really scares me," he said.
Hurricane Florence, which meteorologists are predicting will make a direct hit on
As of Tuesday morning, the storm was centered about 900 miles southeast of
Officials said Tuesday morning the storm's wind speeds had decreased to about 130 mph, but it was expected to strengthen and grow throughout the day following an eyewall replacement cycle.
According to prediction models from the
Tropical-storm-force winds, which are predicted to blow up to 50 mph in
The hurricane, which is expected to make landfall Friday morning, will begin to weaken and slow as it travels across land. The eye of the storm is now predicted to reach
Forecast models are also saying the storm could possibly get "stuck" over central
With the storm dumping heavy rains across the state, storm surge watches have been issued for the entirety of the
Residents in
State and county preparations
Late on Monday, President
The state has also begun mandatory evacuations along the coast in all of the barrier islands as well as
"Get ready for Florence now," warned Cooper. "We cannot expect this storm to pass over in a matter of hours."
The
Rep.
Additionally, the
The county has yet to release information on if or where shelters will be set up.
More information on preparations will be available as emergency departments continue to meet throughout the week. Residents can receive real-times updates and information by signing up for the county's CodeRED alert system at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFFFE65DACB9.
School closings
The three county school systems have yet to make a decision on any school closings due to the storm and do not expect to make those calls until at least Wednesday evening, Dr.
The
Dr.
"As future weather conditions become more readily predictable, decisions regarding any additional potential schedule interruptions will be announced. At this time, we are monitoring the situation," the school system said in a statement. "School district personnel is working very closely with
N.C. State will suspend normal operations beginning Wednesday evening, UNC Chapel Hill will move to its adverse weather plan beginning Tuesday night,
Power outages
Duke Energy posted a statement for its customers in the Carolinas Tuesday regarding the incoming storm and the potential damage and power outages it could cause.
The statement detailed company efforts to prepare for the storm including bringing in out-of-state crews, checking equipment and securing assistance from other energy companies to assist in restoring power should outages occur.
"Restoring power after a massive storm can be extremely challenging for utility repair crews, as travel and work conditions can be impacted by high winds and widespread flooding -- making repair work lengthy and difficult," the statement said. The company is making efforts ahead of the storm to limit the repair times.
Duke Energy customers can report outages by visiting duke-energy.com, texting "OUT" to 57801 or calling the automated outage reporting system at (800) 769-3766. To view power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@Duke Energy) or Facebook (Duke Energy).
"From the utility standpoint, all of our crews will be in, we have contract crews as well and our tree trimmers will be in," said Lexington City Manager
"We'll all be here, all operational. We can't get people up until the wind breaks or slows down. That's one of the things people don't understand. You can't put a guy up in a bucket truck with the winds that strong," Carson explained of why power restoration can take time.
Should widespread outages occur in the city, Carson said crews will be dispatched to substations to repair damages before moving to repair outages in the city at hospitals, city buildings, restaurants and gas stations, Crews will then spread out from the city's commerce districts into residential areas.
The city's water and sewer plants each have backup generators, which have been tested and are functioning properly, Carson said. The natural gas pipelines are not a large concern during this storm, he added.
"Were in pretty good shape as far as utilities, you just never know what you're going to get," Carson said.
EnergyUnited echoed similar messages in a release sent out on Tuesday.
"We are carefully monitoring this weather system and are prepared for possible power outages in any of the 19 counties that we serve throughout
EnegryUnited crews were working to check equipment and stock trucks with necessary materials for repairs. Customers, however, should be prepared for the possibility of prolonged outages, the release said.
To report outages in the EnergyUnited service area, call 1 (800) 386-4833.
Remember, electricity can be dangerous. If you see a fallen power line, avoid the area and call 911.
County fair schedule changes
"I think if we have any effect, it will be the first couple of days. Right now we're setting up and we're getting ready for the fair and we'll just have to play it out as it goes," he said.
"It could be as late as Monday before we make a decision whether we open or not. There's too much invested -- time, work and everything -- to call it off if we don't have to. If we called it off, it's an absolute must," Williams explained.
Home preparations
Emergency management officials recommend residents be prepared for up to 72 hours in their homes without power. Food, water, medications, clothing, important documents and other emergency supplies are all practical items that should be packed in an emergency kit.
Pet owners should purchase extra food and supplies, update collar tags with important information and all outdoor animals should be brought inside.
Ensure that all outdoor furniture is secured or brought inside prior to the storm. High winds could send these items flying. All outdoor belongings should be secured before tropical storm force winds reach the area, as outdoor preparations can be made difficult in these conditions.
With the declaration of a state of emergency by the governor,
More information about the storm's path and strength will be released as it nears the coast. For the latest updates on Hurricane Florence visit hurricanes.gov.
The Dispatch website will be dropping its paywall through Monday so residents can read all storm updates without restriction. For up-to-date hurricane coverage, check our website or follow our coverage on Twitter using #FlorenceDCNC.
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