Breaking: Florence Has Strengthened: Category One Hurricane

September 9, 2018. Florence has now strengthened to a Category 1 Hurricane. It is expected to strengthen to a Category 4 before making landfall. Last night, Meteorologists from NBC12 stated that it could possibly be a Category 5 when it makes landfall, depending how slow it moves over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NOAA), Florence was at Longitude 56.0° W and Latitude 24.0° N or about 750 miles SE of Bermuda. Its current course is W 270° at 6 Miles Per Hour. The Wind Speed is 75 MPH with Wind Gusts of 92 MPH. There are many different discussions as to where the hurricane will make landfall. The Euro Model appears to be the model most likely to occur according to the consensus of most experts, making landfall between Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington, NC. GFS Model takes the hurricane a little farther North, possibly making landfall just South of the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.

Regardless of which model, there is an increasing possibility that the hurricane will make landfall in the Carolina’s, Virginia, Maryland or Southern New Jersey coastlines. It is important to be prepared for the storm.

According to the National Hurricane Center, here is a list of some things that you want to obtain in the event of a disaster:

Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable items
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if your kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Bible for Spiritual Help

FEMA also recommends these items:

Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks and change
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – EFFAK
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When diluted (nine parts water to one part bleach) bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, it can be used to treat water (16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water). Do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

If powers lines are down, stay away from them. Contact Police or Fire Department to report the downed lines. Just because your power is out does not mean that the downed line does not have electricity flowing through it.

If you plan on purchasing a portable generator, be careful not to plug the generator directly into your wall socket. The generator could back feed electricity down the power lines and kill a Linesman who may be working to restore the power in the area. Only a qualified electrician can properly connect your generator to your circuit breakers. Generator Back Feeding is illegal and you can be prosecuted doing it.

Be prepared and be safe! If you believe in prayer, PRAY that the hurricane will dissipate.

References:

The Weather Channel

NBC12 News

The National Hurricane Center

NOAA

FEMA

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