HURRICANE FLORENCE: State preparing for “unprecedented” storm

Sept. 11--As Hurricane Florence approaches the Carolinas with predicted wind speeds in excess of 100 mph, Lee County officials and Gov. Roy Cooper are sounding the alarm.

"Today, let me be clear, North Carolina is taking Hurricane Florence seriously, and you should get ready now," Cooper said Monday during a televised press conference.

According to the National Weather Service, the massive hurricane is expected to reach land Thursday, moving inland along the South Carolina or North Carolina coast line, then tracking slowly west to northwest into western North Carolina. Forecaster's predict the storm may stall for several days over western North Carolina.

"The currently projected scenario could result in catastrophic flooding rainfall across the mountains of western North Carolina... Strong and gusty winds could also impact much of the forecast area late this week and into the weekend, and last for a considerable length of time as well causing damage to trees and power lines," according to NWS.

As of Monday afternoon, the hurricane was less than 1,500 miles from Sanford and 500 miles wide, the length of the entire state, Lee County Emergency Services Director Shane Seagroves said.

"Projections for Florence (have) landfall near Mason Inlet east of Wilmington around 10 p.m. on Thursday night. This would have Florence crossing Lee County around 6 p.m. Friday night," according to Seagroves.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the Sanford area could begin seeing sustained tropical-storm-force winds (between 34 and 73 mph) as early as 8 a.m. Thursday.

The governor on Monday asked for a federal disaster declaration on behalf of North Carolina to ensure the state can get federal aid as soon as possible.

In a letter sent to President Donald Trump, Cooper made the request for federal help for the monster storm forecast to hit the state as an unprecedented hurricane later this week, according to a news release.

With the latest forecast showing Florence bearing down on North Carolina and intensifying in strength, Cooper urged North Carolina residents, businesses and visitors to take the threat posed by Hurricane Florence seriously.

"Florence is a threat well beyond our coasts so inland counties need to be ready as well," Cooper said, urging residents to have plans in place.

An emergency meeting for the Lee County Board of Commissioners to discuss the hurricane is Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the county Emergency Operations Center, 204 West Courtland Drive.

County spokeswoman Jamie Brown said commissioners will receive the most current information related to the storm, the storm's current track and expected impact on Lee County. The board will use the available data to finalize emergency response plans in advance of the approaching storm.

"Residents are urged to use the next 48 hours to plan and prepare for Hurricane Florence," Brown said in a news release.

Cooper's office provided the following tips for emergency plans and supplies kit:

* Gather your emergency supply kits with enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three to seven days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include cell phone charger, prescription medicines, copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.

* Know your evacuation route, and find out where friends and loved ones will be and how to get in touch with them.

* Plan for your pets. Gather supplies for your pets and put them in an easily-accessible container.

* Prepare your home. Clean out gutters and clear property of debris that could damage buildings in strong winds.

* Stay tuned to local news for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center.

"Now is the time to review your emergency plans, not later when this storm is on our doorstep," Cooper said.

News Editor Fran Norton can be reached at 919-718-1227 and on Twitter at @FTNortonNews.

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