As meteorologists get closer to finalizing the forecast to Florence for mid-week, keep this in mind: somebody on the East Coast will get hurt and inconveienced. Get your home and business in order. Do the preparations and hope you don't need them. It's not a question of "if" along our coastline, it's a matter of "when"
When you need the latest info quickly, visit our website www.987theriver.com and click on the STORMWATCH banner at the top of the page!!!
BULLETIN Tropical Storm Florence Advisory Number 37 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL062018 1100 AM AST Sat Sep 08 2018
...FLORENCE BECOMING BETTER ORGANIZED... ...EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN TO A HURRICANE TONIGHT...
SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------- LOCATION...24.5N 54.3W ABOUT 835 MI...1340 KM SE OF BERMUDA ABOUT 715 MI...1150 KM NE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 265 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...995 MB...29.39 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Florence was located near latitude 24.5 North, longitude 54.3 West. Florence is moving toward the west near 7 mph (11 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days. A west-northwestward to northwestward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected by the middle of next week. On the forecast track, the center of Florence will move over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas Tuesday and Wednesday, and approach the southeastern U.S. coast on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts, but Florence is likely to restrengthen to a hurricane by tonight. Rapid intensification is expected to start on Sunday, and Florence is forecast to be a major hurricane by Tuesday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km) from the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 995 mb (29.39 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- SURF: Swells generated by Florence are affecting Bermuda and will reach portions of the U.S. East Coast over the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
Have an emergency plan in place and begin making preparations for families, homes and businesses. Know where you will go in the event of an evacuation and know your evacuation route. Check emergency supply kits to make sure they are stocked and the following necessary items are included:• Non-perishable food – at least a 3-day supply per person• Drinking water - two gallons per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation• Flashlights with extra batteries• First aid kit• Weather radio with extra batteries• Non-electric can opener• Necessary medications and prescriptions• Needed supplies for any children • Needed supplies for any pets• Important documents (insurance policies, property deeds, photo ID, tax records, bank information, etc.)• Toiletries and other personal hygiene/sanitation items• Cash• Cell phone and chargers
The Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division produced an informative video detailing the importance of early preparedness and how to stay connectedfor reliable and up-to-date information. You can view the hurricane preparedness video below