Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence was a powerful and long-lived Cape Verde hurricane that caused catastrophic damage in the Carolinas in September 2018, primarily as a result of freshwater flooding due to torrential rain. The sixth named storm, third hurricane, and the first major hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, Florence originated from a strong tropical wave that emerged off the west coast of Africa on August 30, 2018. The wave steadily organized, and strengthened into a tropical depression on the next day near Cape Verde. Progressing along a steady west-northwest trajectory, the system gradually strengthened, acquiring tropical storm strength on September 1. An unexpected bout of rapid intensification ensued on September 4–5, culminating with Florence becoming a Category 4 major hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale (SSHWS), with estimated maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h). Strong wind shear then led to rapid weakening, and Florence weakened to tropical storm strength on September 7. Shifting steering currents led to a westward turn into a more suitable environment; as a result, Florence reintensified to hurricane strength on September 9 and major hurricane status by the following day. Florence reached peak intensity on September 11, with 1-minute winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 937 mbar (27.7 inHg).[1] An unexpected eyewall replacement cycle and decreasing oceanic heat content caused a steady weakening trend; however, the storm grew in size at the same time. Early on September 14, Florence made landfall in the United States just south of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane, and weakened further as it slowly moved inland under the influence of weak steering currents. Florence degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone over West Virginia on September 17 and was absorbed by another frontal storm two days later.

Hurricane Florence
Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Florence near peak intensity south of Bermuda on September 11
FormedAugust 31, 2018 (August 31, 2018)
DissipatedSeptember 18, 2018 (September 18, 2018)
(Extratropical after September 17)
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 150 mph (240 km/h)
Lowest pressure937 mbar (hPa); 27.67 inHg
Fatalities24 direct, 30 indirect
Damage$24.23 billion (2018 USD)
Areas affectedWest Africa, Cape Verde, Bermuda, East Coast of the United States (especially the Carolinas), Atlantic Canada
Part of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season

Early in the storm's history, the system brought squalls to the Cape Verde islands, resulting in minor landslides and flooding; however, overall effects remained negligible. With the threat of a major impact in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States becoming evident by September 7, the governors of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland, and the mayor of Washington, D.C. declared a state of emergency. On September 10 and 11, the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia issued mandatory evacuation orders for some of their coastal communities, predicting that emergency personnel would be unable to reach people there once the storm arrived. Though Florence made landfall as a greatly weakened Category 1 hurricane, winds associated with the tropical cyclone were strong enough to uproot trees and power lines, causing extensive power outages across the Carolinas. Furthermore, due to the slow motion of the storm, heavy rain fell throughout the Carolinas for several days. Coupled with a powerful storm surge, the rainfall caused widespread flooding along a long stretch of the North Carolina coast, from New Bern to Wilmington. Inland flooding from Florence inundated cities such as Fayetteville, Smithfield, Lumberton, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Most major roads and highways in the area experienced flooding, with large stretches of I-40, I-95, and US Route 70 remaining impassable for days after the storm's passage. Wilmington was cut off entirely from the rest of the mainland by the flooding. The storm also spawned tornadoes in several places along its path, including an EF2 tornado that killed one person in Virginia. Many places received record-breaking rainfall, with Florence setting maximum rainfall records from a tropical cyclone in both of the Carolinas.[2][3][1] Overall, the storm caused $24.23 billion in damage, mostly in the Carolinas, and 54 deaths.

Meteorological history
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
Extratropical cyclone / Remnant low / Tropical disturbance / Monsoon depression

On August 28, 2018, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring a tropical wave—an elongated trough of low air pressure—over Western Africa for possible tropical cyclogenesis within the subsequent five days.[4] As it progressed westwards under the influence of easterly trade winds, favorable environmental conditions, including ample moisture and low wind shear,[5] enabled further organization of the wave and the development of broad shower and thunderstorm activity. Though the tropical wave lacked a well-defined low-level circulation center, the NHC began issuing advisories on the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Six later that day as the system was threatening Cape Verde. Easterly trade winds propelled the disturbance along a west to west-northwest trajectory.[6] Toward the end of August 31, the system's convective organization became sufficient for the NHC to upgrade the disturbance to Tropical Depression Six south of Santiago in Cape Verde.[7] While the storm came under the steering influence of a strong subtropical ridge to the north the following day, moderate wind shear temporarily stunted development and displaced convection to the eastern side of the depression.[8] Later, however, pronounced banding features developed around the circulation, prompting the NHC to upgrade the depression to Tropical Storm Florence at 0900Z on September 1.[9]

Development of a small central dense overcast and a mid-level eye feature signified Florence's intensification to hurricane strength early on September 4, roughly 1,240 miles (2,000 km) west-northwest of Cape Verde.[10][11] Shortly thereafter, the system unexpectedly rapidly intensified within a small area of low wind shear in an otherwise adverse upper-level environment;[12] the hurricane's core structure, eye, and outer banding improved markedly, catching forecasters off-guard and intensifying beyond model outputs.[13] On September 5, the tropical cyclone reached an initial peak intensity with 1-minute sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) with a central pressure of 950 millibars (28 inHg), making it as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale.[1] Thereafter, increasing wind shear caused the hurricane to rapidly weaken to tropical storm strength by September 8. A building mid-level ridge halted Florence's northward movement, leading to a westward turn.[1]

Environmental conditions became increasingly conducive to reorganization on September 8 as NOAA Hurricane Hunters began reconnaissance of the cyclone, with the shear decreasing and warm waters becoming deeper.[14] Convective banding blossomed around the storm and a formative eye appeared on satellite imagery.[15] The storm's central dense overcast became more defined, and a complete eyewall developed within its core. Florence reattained hurricane-status by 12:00 UTC on September 9, with the Hurricane Hunters observing 76 mph (122 km/h) sustained winds at the surface.[1][16] Fueled by sea surface temperatures of 84 to 85 °F (29 to 29.5 °C), Florence rapidly reintensified overnight, and Convective bursts with frequent lightning surrounded the eyewall,[17] giving rise to a well-defined 12 mi (19 km) wide eye. Expanding outflow ventilated the cyclone, enabling continued growth.[18] The system rapidly re-achieved Category 4 intensity by 16:00 UTC on September 10,[19] and Florence reached peak intensity at 18:00 UTC on September 11, with sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 937 mbar (hPa; 27.67 inHg).[1] Steady weakening occurred thereafter due to an eyewall replacement cycle and a less favorable environment.[1][20][21] At this point, the future track of the hurricane became increasingly uncertain as models predicted a collapse of steering currents.

Steady weakening continued as the hurricane approached North Carolina, and Florence fell below major hurricane status late on September 12. On the following day, steering currents collapsed, which caused Florence to slow down greatly while moving towards the North Carolina coast. At 11:15 UTC (7:15 a.m. EDT) on September 14, Florence made landfall just south of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) and a central pressure of 956 mbar (28.2 inHg). The hurricane's sluggish movement resulted in widespread, catastrophic rainfall throughout North and South Carolina. After making landfall, the tropical cyclone began to rapidly weaken due to the frictional effects of land, and Florence weakened to a tropical depression on September 16 before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone the following day. Florence's remnant low dissipated over Massachusetts on September 18.[1] However, the remnants of Florence subsequently emerged into the Atlantic, before splitting into two separate storms.[22] The system to the south would eventually become Subtropical Storm Leslie several days later.[22][23][24]

Preparations
Florence viewed from the International Space Station on September 10

Cape Verde and Bermuda

Upon the designation of Potential Tropical Cyclone Six on August 30, the government of Cape Verde issued tropical storm warnings for the islands of Brava, Fogo, and Santiago.[25] Domestic airlines cancelled 20 flights on August 31 and September 1; maritime travel was also suspended for this period.[26] Mariners were advised to remain cautious of large swells around the islands, potentially reaching 9.8 to 16.4 ft (3 to 5 m).[27] Under the threat of damaging waves, the Autoridade Nacional de Proteção Civil evacuated 125 people, primarily elderly, from Furna and Rincão.[28] Eleven military personnel were deployed to Rincão to assist in evacuations and preparations.[29] Tropical storm warnings were discontinued on September 1, as the system progressed westward and no longer posed a threat to the archipelago.[30]

In anticipation of adverse conditions, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Oceania Cruises adjusted itineraries for Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Dawn, and Sirena to avoid crossing the hurricane's path and not dock in Bermuda.[31]

United States

As forecast models indicated an increasing threat to the Southeastern United States, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on September 7. Transportation rules for farmers were waived to enable faster harvesting.[32] President Donald Trump declared an emergency in North Carolina, granting the state access to federal funds.[33] An overnight curfew was established for Lumberton for the duration of the hurricane.[34] The cost of hurricane preparation in Virginia were at US$10.8 million.[35]

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster followed suit on the next day.[36] The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and Harvest Hope Food Bank began mobilizing resources for potential recovery efforts.[37] The SCEMD raised operation conditions to level 3 on September 9, and began preparations for the "possibility of a large-scale disaster", with forecasts showing Florence striking the state as a major hurricane.[38] Local officials established overnight curfews for the cities of Aynor, Conway, Dillon, Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach to limit the number of people on the roads and enable effective emergency responses. The entirety of Horry and Marion counties also fell under curfews.[34][39][40]

On September 8, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam also declared a state of emergency.[41] On September 10, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency for the entire state, with the potential of "historic, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding in Maryland".[42] On September 11, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency for the entire District of Columbia due to the "imminent threats on the people of D.C., including threats to health, safety and welfare" caused by Florence.[43][44] On September 12, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued a state of emergency for the entire state.[45]

Evacuation and closures

"They haven't seen anything like what's coming at us in 25, 30 years, maybe ever. It's tremendously big and tremendously wet."

President Donald Trump, September 11, 2018, White House press briefing

Mandatory evacuation orders for residents and tourists on Hatteras Island in Dare County began on September 10, with orders expanding to the rest of the county the following day.[46] Evacuations along the rest of the Outer Banks and in Brunswick County went in effect on September 11.[47] On September 10, Governor Henry McMaster ordered evacuations for the entire coastline of South Carolina,[48] constituting roughly 1 million people.[49] On September 10, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered mandatory evacuations for low-lying coastal areas in the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore regions effective September 11, constituting 245,000 people.[50] The US Navy moved 30 ships stationed off the coast of Virginia farther out to sea, to protect the ships and the coastline.[51]

In North Carolina, mandatory evacuations were issued on September 11 for Brunswick County, Carteret County, Craven County, Onslow County, Pamlico County, Tyrrell County, North Topsail Beach, Emerald Isle, Ocracoke Island, Atlantic Beach, Indian Beach, Kure Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, and Wrightsville Beach. A mandatory evacuation for visitors and tourists was issued on September 11 for Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Currituck. Voluntary evacuations were issued for Bertie County, Beaufort County, and Surf City.[52] A voluntary evacuation was also issued for New Hanover County on September 10, including Wilmington, NC.[53]

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington issued a mandatory evacuation effective on September 10.[54] All students were evacuated by noon on September 11. The university collaborated with the University of North Carolina at Asheville to house students who had no options for safe shelter.[55] College football games scheduled at North Carolina State University,[56] East Carolina University, Wake Forest University, Appalachian State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of South Carolina were cancelled as a result of the storm.[57][58][59] Several universities in North Carolina had announced closings in preparation for the hurricane.[60][61][62]

In South Carolina, in 26 eastern counties, public schools were closed until further notice beginning on September 10. State offices in these counties were also ordered closed, while county-level officials could decide when to close their offices.[63]

Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway opened their campgrounds to evacuees of Hurricane Florence free of charge.[64][65][66] In West Virginia, Governor Jim Justice ordered for construction along northbound Interstate 77 (West Virginia Turnpike) between the Virginia border in Mercer County and Charleston to be suspended in order to improve traffic flow for evacuees. In addition, West Virginia state parks offered reduced rates for rooms, cabins, and campsites until September 18 in order to provide assistance to evacuees.[67]

Impact

Cape Verde and Bermuda

Disruptive rainfall and strong winds affected Brava, Fogo, and Santiago in Cape Verde, causing some landslides and localized flooding. Impacts from the storm were otherwise minimal, with no material damage reported.[26]

Large swells and rip currents from the storm reached Bermuda on September 7.[68]

North Carolina
Radar image of Hurricane Florence a few hours after landfall on September 14

In Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, 27 people required lifeguard rescue between September 8 and 9.[69] On September 13, New Bern, North Carolina, was inundated with storm surge around 6 feet (1.8 m). Water levels rose in the west side of the Pamlico Sound. Water levels on the Neuse River at Oriental, North Carolina peaked at 9.6 feet above normal.[70] Employees at ABC affiliate WCTI-TV (which serves the surrounding market that includes Greenville and Jacksonville) were forced to evacuate its New Bern studio facility that evening due to the rising waters, with WCTI switching to a simulcast of Sinclair sister station WPDE's live coverage of the storm until station staff could resume their own broadcasts.[71][72][73] Reports indicated that around 150 people were in need of rescue in New Bern because of the heavy flooding.[74]

Florence's flooding in North Carolina and Virginia was compounded by earlier flooding during the summer that left the ground heavily saturated.[75]

Florence made landfall in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 14, and by mid-morning rescuers had already evacuated more than 200 people from floodwaters, with about 150 more awaiting rescue. The storm had reportedly cut power to more than 500,000 customers in North and South Carolina by the time of landfall and caused the roof of a hotel in Jacksonville, North Carolina to collapse that morning.[76] On September 14, about 100 civilians, city workers, and National Guard worked to fill sandbags and protect Lumberton, North Carolina from an identified weak spot that caused massive flooding during Hurricane Matthew in 2016.[77]

Heavy rains continued to affect the Carolinas after landfall. A weather station in Swansboro, North Carolina, recorded 33.90 inches (861 mm) of rain, establishing a new record for a tropical cyclone in that state.[2][1][78][79] By September 17, Florence had dropped a maximum total of 35.93 inches (913 mm) of rain in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, becoming the wettest tropical cyclone recorded in the state.[2]

5-day map accumulation with Florence over the Carolinas

Statewide, approximately 2,200 primary and secondary roads closed due to flooding,[80] including large sections of Interstates 40 and 95.[81][82]

Strong winds in New Hanover County toppled numerous trees and power lines, while more than 90% of the county was left without electricity. The storm dropped up to 27.2 in (690 mm) of rain near Kings Grant.[83] By the morning of September 16, Wilmington had recorded more rain from Florence than any other single weather event in the city's history. Additionally, Florence contributed to the wettest year in Wilmington history, with annual rainfall totals eclipsing the previous record set in 1877.[84] The city of Wilmington became entirely isolated, as all roads to the city flooded and were deemed impassable,[85] though one unidentified road was opened briefly on September 17.[86] The majority of residents remained without electricity, as of September 16. The city's airport and port were also closed.[85][87] Although cell phone service remained operational, excess demand strained networks. More than 450 people required rescue across Wilmington. Woody White, New Hanover County chairman of the board of commissioners, issued a statement advising all travelers to avoid the Wilmington area.[85] There was a report of looting and burglary at a Wilmington area Family Dollar, with the theft of non-essential items such as sports apparel and athletic shoes during the height of the storm.[88][89] The city-wide curfew issued in advance of the storm was extended because of these incidents.[85]

Early on September 17, a tornado was confirmed in Elm City, North Carolina.[90]

Also on September 17, the Pee Dee River crested at Ansonville at 35.4 ft (10.8 m), 2 ft (0.61 m) above the 1945 record.[91]

The Cape Fear River crested at 61.4 ft (18.7 m)—about 35 ft (11 m) above flood stage—near Fayetteville early on September 19. The magnitude of flooding greatly exceeded the levels observed due to Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The nearby Little River inundated large areas across Cumberland and Harnett counties. Overtopped bridges isolated communities and hampered relief efforts.[92]

Damage statewide reached an estimated US$17 billion, more than the combined damage of Hurricane Floyd and Hurricane Matthew in the state, according to Governor Roy Cooper.[93] Estimated insurance losses ranged between $2.8–5 billion.[94] Hurricane-related flooding damaged an estimated seventy-five thousand structures, many of which had been previously damaged in Hurricane Matthew.[95]

South Carolina
Hurricane Florence about a day after landfall over the Carolinas, on September 15

Heavy rainfall also occurred in South Carolina, with 23.63 in (600 mm) of precipitation observed near Loris, setting a new state record for rainfall from a tropical cyclone.[96] More than 100 people were rescued from their homes and cars in Loris. The Waccamaw River in Conway crested at 22.1 ft (6.7 m) on September 26, exceeding the Hurricane Matthew record of 19.1 ft (5.8 m). At a neighborhood along South Carolina Highway 905, about 5 ft (1.5 m) of water entered some homes. Farther south along the Waccamaw River, homes in a neighborhood in Socastee were flooded with as much as 8 ft (2.4 m) of water. In western Horry County, the community of Dongola was left isolated for 10 days. The overflowing river flooded almost 1,000 homes and businesses. The storm also spawned two tornadoes in Horry County, both rated EF0. The first tornado touched down just north-northeast of Myrtle Beach, causing minor damage to pine trees near Route 17 before lifting after moving only about half a mile. The other tornado touched down near Longs and also damaged pine trees and a roof.[83]

Flooding was also reported in Marion County, especially in Brittons Neck and Gresham. A number of people evacuated and were still not able to access their homes by October 1. In Nichols, flooding damaged about 150  homes which had been rebuilt after Hurricane Matthew. Strong winds downed trees and power lines, while at least one home in Nichols suffered roof damage. Approximately 400 homes in Dillon County were flooded. A total of 21  homes in Darlington County received severe flood damage, while another home was destroyed.[83]

In Chesterfield County, the Pee Dee River crested at 46.51 ft (14.18 m) at Cheraw. Three nearby dams failed, causing significant flooding in Cheraw and the town of Chesterfield. Many roads became impassable or were washed out. A total of 226 homes were damaged and other 2 were destroyed.[97] A Superfund site was also damaged, causing PCB to enter homes, a toxic substance which required cleanup efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency.[98] In Lancaster County, flash flooding left a number of roads impassable and washed out several other streets. A park was flooded after the Gills Creek overflowed. Winds downed about 20 trees in the Lancaster area, one of which fell onto a home and others falling onto a road. Power lines were downed across Route 521, obstructing all four lanes.[97] Damage statewide were at least $1.2 billion.[99]

Elsewhere
A warehouse in Chesterfield County, Virginia, destroyed by a tornado

The storm spawned 10 tornadoes in Virginia, including 2 in Chesterfield County, 1 in Hanover County, 1 in Mecklenburg County, 1 in Powhatan County, and 5 in Richmond. Most of these tornadoes caused little damage other than downed trees, tree limbs, or electrical poles. However, the twister in Chesterfield County, rated EF2, damaged several buildings between Winterpock and Bon Air and destroyed a warehouse, causing one death and at least one injury. The tornado in Mecklenburg County, rated EF0, touched down between Boydton and Skipwith. Extensive tree damaged was reported, with several homes and outbuildings damaged by falling trees.[100] Virginia suffered a total of $200 million in damages.[1]

The state of Georgia experienced lesser amounts of damage, mostly from fallen trees and downed powerlines. Damage in Georgia totaled $30 million.[1]

Large swells ahead of the hurricane reached Assateague State Park, Maryland, by September 9, prompting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to close beach access indefinitely.[101]

Deaths
Deaths by U.S. state[1]
State Deaths
Direct Indirect Total
Florida 2 0 2
North Carolina 15 25 40
South Carolina 4 5 9
Virginia 3 0 3
Total 24 30 54

Rip currents and rough seas in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, caused 13 rescues; one victim died at a hospital and two others had impact injuries.[102] One man drowned on September 11, at Florida's Playalinda Beach, while trying to rescue a 10-year-old boy caught in a rip current.[103] One child drowned in Green Swamp near Sumter, South Carolina, after water released from the Second Mill Pond flowed into the river.[104]

Two people in North Carolina died while trying to evacuate: one in Columbus County and Wayne County.[105][106] In Wilmington, a mother and her baby were killed when a tree landed on their house. In Hampstead, a woman died of a heart attack; downed trees on roads kept first responders from reaching her. A person was electrocuted in Lenoir County while plugging in a generator in the wet conditions.[107] A house fire in Fayetteville killed a husband and wife. Freshwater flooding killed at least eleven people: one in Anson County, eight Duplin County, and two in Scotland County.[80][106][108] One man was killed in Kinston by strong winds while checking on his hunting dogs.[109] A three-month-old baby died in Gaston County when a tree crushed a mobile home.[105] In Union County, a woman drove around a barrier into a flooded road and her vehicle was swept away. Rescuers saved the mother, but her one-year-old baby drowned.[110] An 18-wheeler aquaplaned off Interstate 85 near Kings Mountain and crashed into a tree; the vehicle tore in half, killing the driver.[111] Two other accidents each killed one person: an elderly man died of oxygen loss related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during a power outage, and a person collapsed and died in Sampson County while helping an evacuee.[106] One person drowned in the swelling Cape Fear River near Cedar Creek after refusing evacuation orders.[112] On September 20, a man in Brunswick County died after being crushed by a tree he was clearing.[113] In late September, two people were killed in North Carolina while repairing damage from Hurricane Florence to their homes, bringing the death toll in the state to 39.[114]

Three deaths originally attributed to the hurricane were later considered unrelated. One woman died of unknown causes in a shelter, and two people found dead on Harkers Island were deemed victims of a murder-suicide.[105][115]

Two people died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Loris, South Carolina. A vehicle with three occupants lost control on a flooded road in Georgetown County; one passenger died, while the driver and other passenger escaped. A woman died when her vehicle crashed into a downed tree near Union.[108] A vehicle lost control along Interstate 20 near Columbia and crashed into a bridge support, killing the driver. Another fatal accident occurred near Columbia when a woman drove into a flooded road and crashed into a tree.[116] On September 18, a van was transporting two mental health patients from Horry County to Darlington; the vehicle was swept away by swift-moving water along U.S. Route 76—the swollen Little Pee Dee River was 0.5 mi (0.80 km) from this location.[117] The two deputies in the van managed to escape and survived;[118] however, the two women in the back were shackled and drowned.[119] The deputies were put on administrative leave.[120]

On September 17, ten tornadoes of strengths between EF0 and EF2 [100][121] touched down in Virginia, resulting in one death in Chesterfield County, Virginia.[122][123] Another person died when his vehicle was swept away along a flooded road in Louisa.[124]

One 69-year-old man in Robeson County, North Carolina whose house was damaged apparently committed suicide.[125][126]

Agriculture and environmental effects
Flooded farmland in Duplin County, North Carolina in the wake of Florence

The large-scale flooding affected swaths of North Carolina's agricultural industry and proved particularly damaging to livestock. Through September 18, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture stated 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and 5,500 hogs died in flooded farms. Dozens of farms remained isolated with animals unable to be fed. Piles of manure stored at these farms were swept into swollen rivers,[127][128] about a dozen pits holding animal waste were damaged by the flooding and debris.[129]

In total, more than a hundred and thirty hog waste lagoons were compromised, and thirty-three overflowed to the point of discharging their contents into the Cape Fear River watershed. Media coverage of the hurricane drew comparisons with Hurricane Floyd; Smithfield Foods, which owns many of eastern North Carolina's hog farms, had been criticized at the time for allowing the lagoons to overflow, and had promised improvements to prevent future incidents of pollution.[130][131]

On September 16, approximately 5 million gallons of partially treated wastewater spilled into the Cape Fear River after a treatment plant lost power.[127] An estimated 2,000 yd3 (1,530 m3) of coal ash from the closed Sutton Power Station near Wilmington was also swept into the river. Torrential rains from the storm itself, estimated at 30 inches (760 mm), also caused a swamp to spill into the cooling pond.[132] On September 19, the H.F. Lee Energy Complex in Goldsboro flooded to the point where their three ponds were completely underwater and began releasing coal ash into the Neuse River.[133]

Domestic and zoo animals

During and after the storm made landfall, local rescuers and nationwide donors and organizations worked to aid the many pets that had been left by their owners, or alongside their owners.[134][135] Others drove to South and North Carolina in order to evacuate animals and bring them outside of the hurricanes impact zone while shelters in other states accepted animals from the states.[136] Many rescuers were looking for local residents in need of assistance or evacuation aid, and discovered some animals in flooding cages, some attempting to seek shelter, and some stranded on porches.[137]

Zoo animals such as those from the Virginia Zoo were sheltered within indoor and sheltered portions of their enclosures.[138] Other zoos such as the North Carolina Zoo were lightly impacted by the storm and opened on September 18, and offered free admission for evacuees from September 18 to 21.[139]

Aftermath

Evacuees

On September 19, after the rain had stopped, a majority of evacuees were urged by officials to stay away from their homes as the rivers continued to rise; the potential threat of floods remained high, roads remained closed, and thousands lacked power to their homes.[140] Many individuals whose homes were ruined due to the hurricane were offered aid through Red Cross shelters, rental assistance from FEMA, or utilizing undamaged rental properties until their homes are livable. FEMA utilized Transitional Sheltering Assistance Programs to pay for hotel stays for individuals while they look for more permanent solutions, the programs had 342 households and a total of 1,044 people as of October 3.[141]

Power restoration

In the aftermath of the storm, over 40,000 workers from across the US and Canada went to the Carolinas to help restore power, according to the Edison Electric Institute.[142]

Roads

The continued flooding closed many major roads for days after the incident. On September 15, NCDOT asked drivers to avoid driving in North Carolina altogether, instructing them to take a detour at Richmond, Virginia using Interstate 64 west to Interstate 81 south into Tennessee to Interstate 40 west to Interstate 75 south into Georgia to Interstate 16 east back to Interstate 95.[143] Parts of I-95 and I-40 in North Carolina reopened ten days later September 23, while hundreds of other roads remained closed.[144] Thousands of dead fish had to be cleaned off of Interstate 40 in Pender County, North Carolina, with other marine life such as a 20-foot-long whale being reported washed onto beaches and residential areas, having to be removed and buried.[145]

Relief efforts
Clean up and volunteering after the storm in Pender County, NC.

President Donald Trump visited North and South Carolina on September 19, and spoke to emergency workers in an airplane hangar at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.[146] He also promised to provide state officials all support needed for search and rescue operations. Further, he promised to ensure that the states would continue to receive help while they were rebuilding after the storm.[147] South Carolina Governor McMaster applied for $1.2 billion in federal funding for recovery, including $165 million under the National Flood Insurance Program and $125 million for agriculture.[80] On September 23, the United States Congress began to deliberate a $1.7 billion aid package for the Carolinas.[148]

Investigation

After two patients at a mental hospital died when the van carrying them was swept away by floods, the State Law Enforcement Division and Highway Patrol opened an investigation into the incident, and the deputies involved, who were escorting the women and were rescued from the top of the van, were placed on administrative leave.[120][149] Family members of the deceased met with South Carolina elected officials to discuss the incident and the changes that they wish to see put in place to prevent other deaths.[150]

Connection to climate change

A number of studies assessing the effect of global climate change on the impact of Hurricane Florence were performed. Projections prior to landfall made the case that the hurricane could be up to 50% larger and 50 miles wider given the effects of anthropogenic warming. However, actual conditions at the time of landfall were less severe, so analyses after the hurricane indicate that warming led to an increase in total rainfall of around 5% and an increase in diameter of around 1.5 miles.[95] When the Associated Press reached out to seventeen meteorologists and climate scientists following the hurricane, the majority agreed that human-caused warming worsened the effects of the storm. However, a few remain hesitant to make such statements regarding individual hurricanes.[151]

Retirement

Due to the damage and loss of life in the Carolinas, the name Florence was retired from the Atlantic rotating naming lists by the World Meteorological Organization on March 20, 2019 at the 41st session of the RA IV hurricane committee, and will never again be used for an Atlantic hurricane. It will be replaced with Francine for the 2024 season.[152]

See also
  • List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes
  • Lists of tropical cyclones by area:
  • 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane – Category 4 hurricane that took a similar track to Florence as it approached the US, before making landfall near Chesapeake Bay
  • Hurricane Hazel (1954) – One of the strongest tropical cyclones to affect the Carolinas
  • Hurricane Gracie (1959) – Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in South Carolina
  • Hurricane Hugo (1989) – Powerful Cape Verde hurricane that caused widespread destruction in the Carolinas
  • Hurricane Fran (1996) – Category 3 hurricane that took a similar track to Florence and affected the Mid-Atlantic
  • Hurricane Floyd (1999) – Another storm that caused catastrophic flooding in eastern North Carolina
  • Hurricane Isabel (2003) – Took a similar path to Florence late in its lifetime; made landfall in North Carolina as a Category 2 hurricane
  • Hurricane Joaquin (2015) – Category 4 hurricane that contributed to historic flooding in the Carolinas, even though the storm itself never made landfall in the Carolinas

References
  1. Stacy Stewart and Robbie Berg (May 30, 2019). Hurricane Florence (AL062018) (PDF) (Report). Tropical Cyclone Report. National Hurricane Center. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  2. Connor Pregizer (September 20, 2018). "Major preliminary rainfall totals for Hurricane Florence". KTVQ Billings News. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  3. Amanda Reinhart (September 19, 2018). "Storm Summary Number 21 for Heavy Rain and Wind Associated with Florence". Weather Prediction Center. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  4. Robbie Berg (August 28, 2018). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  5. Lixion Avila (August 30, 2018). Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Discussion Number 2 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  6. Lixion Avila (August 30, 2018). Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Discussion Number 1 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  7. Lixion Avila (August 31, 2018). Tropical Depression Six Discussion Number 6 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  8. Jack Beven (September 1, 2018). Tropical Depression Six Discussion Number 7 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  9. Robbie Berg (September 1, 2018). Tropical Storm Florence Discussion Number 8 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  10. Robbie Berg (September 4, 2018). Hurricane Florence Discussion Number 21 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  11. Robbie Berg (September 4, 2018). Hurricane Florence Advisory Number 21 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  12. Robbie Berg and Jamie Rhome (September 5, 2018). Hurricane Florence Discussion Number 25 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  13. Dave Roberts (September 5, 2018). Hurricane Florence Discussion Number 24 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  14. Robbie Berg (September 8, 2018). Tropical Storm Florence Advisory Number 38 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  15. Lixion Avila (September 9, 2018). Tropical Storm Florence Advisory Number 39 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  16. Eric Blake (September 9, 2018). Hurricane Florence Advisory Number 41 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  17. Stacy Stewart (September 10, 2018). Hurricane Florence Advisory Number 43 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  18. Eric Blake (September 10, 2018). Hurricane Florence Advisory Number 44 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  19. Eric Blake (September 10, 2018). Hurricane Florence Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  20. Jack Beven (September 11, 2018). Hurricane Florence Discussion Number 47 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  21. Daniel Brown (September 11, 2018). Hurricane Florence Discussion Number 48 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  22. Jeff Masters (September 19, 2018). "After Florence: What's Next in the Atlantic?". Weather Underground. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  23. Michael J. Brennan (September 22, 2018). NHC Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook Archive (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  24. Lixion A. Avila (September 23, 2018). "Subtropial Storm Leslie Discussion Number 1". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  25. Lixion Avila (August 30, 2018). Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Advisory Number 1 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  26. "Passagem de depressão tropical em Cabo Verde leva ao cancelamento de 20 voos domésticos". Observador (in Portuguese). Agência Lusa. September 2, 2018. Archived from the original on September 4, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  27. "Depressão tropical afasta-se de Cabo Verde". Expresso das Ilhas (in Portuguese). September 1, 2018. Archived from the original on September 4, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  28. "Depressão Tropical em Cabo Verde: Famílias de Rincão e Furna Acima transferidas após alerta da protecção civil". A Semana (in Portuguese). September 1, 2018. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  29. "Depressão Tropical chega com vento e chuva a Cabo Verde: País continua em estado de alerta e com Rincão como zona de risco". A Semana (in Portuguese). August 31, 2018. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  30. Lixion Avila (September 1, 2018). Tropical Storm Florence Intermediate Advisory 8A (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  31. Adam Leposa (September 7, 2018). "Cruise Lines Cancel Bermuda Calls Due to Florence". Travel Agent Central. Archived from the original on September 7, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  32. "The Latest: Storm prompts North Carolina State of Emergency". Daily Progress. Associated Press. September 7, 2018. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  33. Jason Hanna; Kaylee Hartung; Steve Almasy (September 11, 2018). "Hurricane Florence strengthens as 1 million people are told to flee US East Coast". CNN. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  34. Kirby Hood (September 12, 2018). "Curfews in effect for several counties ahead of Hurricane Florence". WPDE. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  35. Michael Martz (October 15, 2018). "FEMA OKs disaster declaration for Va". The Daily Progress. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  36. Daniel J. Gross (September 8, 2018). "Hurricane Florence: SC declares state of emergency, 'preparing for the worst'". The Greenville News. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  37. Alondra De La Rosa and Angela Rogers (September 7, 2018). "Local agencies preparing for Florence and potential emergency". ABC Colombia. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  38. Teddy Kulmala (September 9, 2018). "SC preps for 'possibility of a large-scale disaster' as Florence grows into hurricane". The State. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  39. Jessica Minch (September 12, 2018). "City of Conway to enact curfew during Hurricane Florence". WBTW. Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  40. Jessica Minch (September 12, 2018). "City of Myrtle Beach extends curfew to Thursday night ahead of Hurricane Florence". WBTW. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  41. Martin Weil (September 8, 2018). "State of emergency declared in Virginia in advance of Hurricane". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  42. "Maryland Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Hurricane Florence". CBS Baltimore. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  43. "Mayor Bowser Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Florence". mayor.dc.gov. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  44. Ariellle Buckman (September 11, 2018). "Mayor Bowser declares state of emergency in DC ahead of Hurricane Florence". wusa9.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  45. "Gov. Deal issues State of Emergency for Georgia ahead of Hurricane Florence". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  46. "Mandatory evacuation ordered for Dare County ahead of Florence impacts". WKTR. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  47. "Hurricane Florence Preparations Underway: Outer Banks Evacuations Officially Underway". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  48. Sean Breslin (September 10, 2018). "South Carolina Prepares for Hurricane Florence: Gov. McMaster Orders Entire Coastline to Evacuate". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  49. Ciara Nugent (September 10, 2018). "1 Million People Ordered to Evacuate South Carolina Coast as Hurricane Florence Gathers Strength". Time. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  50. "Virginia Governor Orders Mandatory Evacuation for Some of Virginia, Including Parts of the Eastern Shore". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  51. "US 'monster' hurricane set to strengthen". BBC News. September 11, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  52. "Mandatory evacuations issued ahead of Hurricane Florence". WTVD-TV. September 11, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  53. "Evacuations Recommended, County Shelter to Open". New Hanover County. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  54. "UNC-Wilmington issues mandatory evacuation order beginning Monday". WSOC-TV. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  55. "UNCW issues mandatory evacuation for students". WWAY News. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018./
  56. "NC State vs. West Virginia Football Game Will Not Be Played This Weekend". NC State Athletics. North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  57. Adelson, Andrea (September 11, 2018). "UNC-UCF, WVU-NC State, ECU-Va. Tech games called off". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  58. "App State-Southern Miss Football Game Will Not Be Played Saturday". September 12, 2018. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  59. Kendall, Josh; Breiner, Ben (September 12, 2018). "South Carolina-Marshall football game canceled". The State. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  60. Newsom, John. "As Florence approaches, most Greensboro — and N.C. — colleges will close". Greensboro News & Record. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  61. "Closings this week at UNC-Greensboro, High Point University". Fox 8. September 11, 2018. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  62. "UNC, NC State, ECU games called off for the weekend; classes canceled". ABC 11. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  63. Emily Bohatch (September 10, 2018). "McMaster orders schools across SC to close Tuesday as Florence approaches". The State. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  64. "Charlotte Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway open campgrounds to Florence evacuees". Norfolk, VA: WVEC-TV. September 11, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  65. Staff (September 11, 2018). "Bristol Motor Speedway opens campground for Hurricane Florence evacuees". Knoxville, TN: WBIR-TV. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  66. Gardner, Steve (September 12, 2018). "Talladega Superspeedway offers shelter for Hurricane Florence evacuees". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  67. Jenkins, Jeff (September 12, 2018). "Justice suspends Turnpike work, lowers state park prices as part of Florence response". The Dominion Post. Morgantown, WV. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  68. Robbie Berg (September 7, 2018). Hurricane Florence Advisory Number 34 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  69. "Over 2 dozen rip current rescues at Wrightsville Beach this weekend as Hurricane Florence approaches The University of North Carolina Wilmington received over $140 million in damage and have been forced to close The University Apartments, a residential hall on campus". WNCN. September 9, 2018. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  70. "Florence Raises Water, Rearranges Town". TownDock. September 15, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  71. Drew MacFarlane (September 13, 2018). "North Carolina Meteorologists Forced Off-Air During Broadcast By Florence Flooding". The Weather Channel. Entertainment Studios/The Weather Company. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  72. Jason O. Boyd (September 14, 2018). "Statement from WCTI General Manager Matt Bowman". WCTI-TV. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  73. Stephanie Tsoflias Siegel (September 14, 2018). "Hurricane Florence Forces WCTI Meteorologists to Evacuate During Broadcast". TVSpy. Beringer Capital. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  74. Jason O. Boyd (September 14, 2018). "Around 150 people in need of rescue in N. Carolina City". WCTI-TV. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  75. Belles, Jonathan. "America's 'One-in-1,000-Year' Rainfall Events in 2018 | The Weather Channel". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018. Chesapeake Flooding Before Florence: Sept. 10 In the days before Florence made landfall in North Carolina, heavy rain drenched communities along southern Chesapeake Bay. More than 10 inches fell on Sept. 10 in both Kilmarnock and Jamesville, Virginia, in far eastern portions of the state.
  76. Faith Karimi; Tina Burnside; Jason Hanna. "Hurricane Florence makes landfall in North Carolina, with plenty of destruction and suffering ahead". CNN. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  77. Amir Vera; Cassie Spodak; Jeremy Harlan. "Over 100 volunteers unite to prevent flooding in North Carolina community". CNN. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  78. NWS Eastern Region [@NWSEastern] (September 16, 2018). "Updated preliminary rainfall totals across North and South Carolina from Hurricane Florence received as of 2 p.m. EDT, on Sunday, September 16. Heavy rain continued to fall across central and western portions of North Carolina and Virginia" (Tweet). Retrieved September 17, 2018 – via Twitter.
  79. NWS WPC [@NWSWPC] (September 16, 2018). "NWSWilmingtonNC confirmed a recent ob at Marion 3 E, SC was reasonable. This sets a tropical cyclone rainfall record for SC (preliminarily). Attached are the new graphic and one from the wettest known system in SC history - an extratropical cyclone from Oct 2015 NW of Joaquin" (Tweet). Retrieved September 17, 2018 – via Twitter.
  80. Amy Held (September 20, 2018). "Florence Blamed For 4 More Deaths As 'Unheard Of Amounts Of Water' Keep Flowing". NPR. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  81. "River or road? Amazing images show I-40 completely flooded". CBS17. Reuters. September 18, 2018. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  82. "NC road closures and reopenings: I-40, I-95 affected by Florence". WTVD. September 19, 2018. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  83. Armstrong (October 3, 2018). Post Tropical Cyclone Report...Tropical Storm Florence (Report). National Weather Service Wilmington, North Carolina. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  84. National Weather Service Wilmington, North Carolina Weather Forecast Office (September 16, 2018). "NOUS42 KILM 161405". National Weather Service Raw Text Product. Wilmington, North Carolina: Iowa State University. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  85. Patricia Sullivan and Katie Zezima (September 16, 2018). "Florence has made Wilmington, N.C., an island cut off from the rest of the world". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  86. "Emergency crews throw supply lifeline to isolated Wilmington". Townhall. Associated Press. September 17, 2018. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  87. "Storm Florence: Heavy flooding cuts off Wilmington". BBC. September 17, 2018. Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  88. Staff (September 16, 2018). "Looting at Family Dollar store in Wilmington". wavy.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  89. Staff (September 15, 2018). "Looters raid Wilmington Family Dollar". wral.com. Archived from the original on September 16, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  90. Gallagher, Ron (September 17, 2018). "Tornado confirmed near Elm City; some damage reported". News & Observer. Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  91. "River levels". The Sun News. September 30, 2018. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  92. Cullen Browder and Gilbert Baez (September 19, 2018). "The Cape Fear River crested overnight in Fayetteville at 61.4 feet". WRAL. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  93. "'Historic' Hurricane Florence caused more damage than Matthew and Floyd combined, governor says". News & Observer. November 1, 2018. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  94. Suzanne Barlyn (September 25, 2018). "Hurricane Florence insured losses to range from $2.8 billion to $5 billion: RMS". Reuters. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  95. Wagner, Adam (January 16, 2020). "Did global warming heighten Hurricane Florence's impact? New study provides answers". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  96. Amanda Reinhart (September 19, 2018). "Storm Summary Number 21 for Heavy Rain and Wind Associated with Florence". Weather Prediction Center. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  97. Armstrong (September 30, 2018). Post Tropical Cyclone Report...Tropical Storm Florence (Report). National Weather Service Columbia, South Carolina. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  98. Sammy Fretwell (September 28, 2018). "EPA descends on Cheraw, begins toxic cleanup". The State. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  99. Tim Smith (September 20, 2018). "Hurricane Florence, another 1,000-year event, caused at least $1.2 billion in damage in SC". The Greenville News. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  100. "September 17, 2018 Tornadoes". National Weather Service (Wakefield station AKQ. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018. "As a result, nine additional tornadoes (EF-0 to EF-2) touched down in the Richmond metro between 1:30 and 4:30 PM.")
  101. Mary Carole McCauley and Scott Dance (September 9, 2018). "Florence regains hurricane force, forecast to hit Southeast coast as a major storm". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  102. Kelly Healey (September 10, 2018). "Man drowns while swimming in New Smyrna Beach amid rip current warning, officials say". WFTV. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  103. Kevin Williams and Melonie Holt (September 12, 2018). "Hurricane Florence updates: Gas stations run dry in parts of South Carolina". WFTV. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  104. Adrienne Sarvis (September 12, 2018). "9-year-old boy drowns at Pocalla Swamp". The Sumter Item. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  105. Bradford Betz (September 16, 2018). "Florence death toll at 17 after 3-month-old dies in North Carolina mobile home". Citizen Times. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  106. Mark Price and Noah Feit (September 17, 2018). "Florence death toll rises to 32, including 3 young children, Carolinas officials say". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  107. Mark Price. "Five dead from Hurricane Florence, including mother and baby, say officials". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  108. "Florence death toll at 14, including 2 from carbon monoxide". WTOP. Associated Press. September 16, 2018. Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  109. "Hurricane Florence updates: 23 dead, including 17 dead in North Carolina". WLS-TV. September 17, 2017. Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  110. "1-year-old child becomes 19th victim of Florence, officials say". WYFF. Associated Press. September 16, 2018. Archived from the original on September 16, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  111. "2nd tornado touches down in Virginia". WHSV. Associated Press. September 17, 2018. Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  112. "Man drowns in trailer near Cape Fear River despite mandatory evacuation warning". WTVD. September 19, 2018. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  113. "NC deaths from Florence up to 32 after tree falls on man". CBS17. Associated Press. September 20, 2018. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  114. Gabriella Borter (October 2, 2018). "Hurricane Florence death toll rises to 51". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  115. Stancill, Jane; Bonner, Lynn; Grubb, Tammy (September 15, 2018). "7 dead in NC as Florence, an 'uninvited brute,' brings heavy flooding and power outages". News & Observer. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  116. Noah Feit; Brian Murphy; Mark Price; Matthew Martinez (September 16, 2018). "17 deaths in the Carolinas linked to Florence flooding, fallen trees and power outages". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on September 16, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  117. Eliott C. McLaughlin and Amanda Watts (September 20, 2018). "2 women drown in back of police van swept away by Florence flooding". CNN. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  118. Tim Smith (September 18, 2018). "Florence flood kills 2 mental health patients when Horry sheriff van is overcome: report". Greenville News. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  119. Chris Francescani (September 19, 2018). "Sheriff's deputies transporting 2 mental health patients who drowned in flood waters put on leave, authorities say". ABC News. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  120. "Family outraged after women die in flooded van driven by South Carolina deputies". Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  121. Duncan, Jim. "Tornado count from Monday increases to ten". WWBT NBC12 news. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  122. Vernon Freeman Jr. and Jake Burns (September 17, 2018). "1 dead after tornado destroys Chesterfield building near Hull Street". WTVR. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  123. Mark Price and Noah Feit (September 17, 2018). "Florence death toll rises to 32, including 3 young children, Carolinas officials say". charlotteobserver.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  124. "Louisa man killed in flash flood; Chesterfield tornado victim died while helping co-workers escape". The Daily Progress. September 18, 2018. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  125. "More than a month after Hurricane Florence devastated NC, the deaths continue". News & Observer. November 1, 2018. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  126. "The death toll from Hurricane Florence has risen again, four months after the storm". newsandobserver. January 28, 2019. Archived from the original on January 28, 2019. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  127. Michael Biesecker (September 19, 2018). "Florence flooding kills 3.4 million poultry, 5,500 hogs, NC officials say". WTVD. Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  128. Matthew Diebel (September 20, 2018). "A disgusting side effect of Florence: Escaped pig poop. Lots of it". usatoday.com. USA Today. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  129. "Florence update: 'nightmare that won't end,' evacuees can't return yet". Newsweek. September 18, 2018. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  130. Bethea, Charles (September 30, 2018). "Could Smithfield Foods Have Prevented the "Rivers of Hog Waste" in North Carolina After Florence?". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  131. Buford, Talia (November 23, 2018). "Even after floods and dead pigs, the reckoning of NC hog lagoons is still elusive". The News & Observer. ProPublica. Archived from the original on November 23, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  132. Michael Biesecker (September 16, 2018). "Rains from Florence cause collapse at NC coal ash landfill". The Oakland Press. Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  133. Will Duran (September 20, 2018). "Duke Energy confirms new coal ash spill in North Carolina". heraldsun. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  134. "Video Shows Animals Stranded by Florence Getting Rescued". Time. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  135. Taylor, Alan. "Photos: Pet Rescues in the Wake of Hurricane Florence". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  136. "East Tennessee animal centers give shelter to dogs, cats displaced by Hurricane Florence". Knoxville News Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 8, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  137. "The animal rescuers of Florence: Dogs saved from submerged crate, pets shuttled away in bus". NBC News. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  138. "Lions, tigers and shelter pets will ride out Hurricane Florence in place". ABC News. September 11, 2018. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  139. WRAL. "N.C. Zoo reopens Tuesday, offers free admission to Florence evacuees :: WRAL.com". WRAL.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  140. Jay Croft; Faith Karimi; Steve Almasy. "Rivers keep rising in Carolinas as Trump tours Florence 'nightmare' aftermath". CNN. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  141. "Evacuated and evicted, many of Hurricane Florence's victims have nowhere to go". newsobserver. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  142. "Flood Fighters and Recovery Crews Roll in The Carolinas". Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  143. Wire, CNN. "Avoid I-95: Drivers told to 'go around' North Carolina". WTVR CBS6 news (Richmond, VA). Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018. The issues prompted North Carolina to tell drivers coming down Interstate 95 from Virginia to go around—the entire state. NCDOT asked drivers to detour using Interstate 64 West in Virginia to Interstate 81 south, to Interstate 75 south in Tennessee to Interstate 16 east in Georgia back to Interstate 95. 'This is an extremely long detour, but it is the detour that offers the lowest risk of flooding at this time,' NCDOT officials warned.
  144. Tabackman, Lia (September 24, 2018). "I-95 reopens in North Carolina 10 days after Hurricane Florence". WTVR CBS6 Richmond. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018. 10 days after Hurricane Florence touched down, Interstate 95 through North Carolina is now reopened to all traffic. ...Hundreds of roads across our state remain closed and flooded and damaged roads remain a danger in many areas.
  145. "Countless dead fish on I-40 create 'horrible' stench as Florence floods recede". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  146. Liptak, Kevin. "Trump visits Hurricane Florence-ravaged Carolinas". CNN. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  147. "Trump visits North Carolina after Hurricane Florence: 'We're ready to do whatever we have to'". The Independent. September 19, 2018. Archived from the original on November 24, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  148. "Congress Considering a Nearly $1.7 Billion Relief Package for Hurricane Florence Efforts". Time. Associated Press. September 23, 2018. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  149. "Florence gone but its flooding a crisis in parts of North Carolina -- live updates". www.cbsnews.com. Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  150. "Family of sheriff's van drowning victim calls for criminal charges against deputies". myrtlebeachonline. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  151. Borenstein, Seth (September 14, 2018). "A warmer world makes hurricanes wetter and more intense". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  152. "Florence and Michael retired by the World Meteorological Organization | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration". www.noaa.gov. Archived from the original on March 20, 2019. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurricane Florence (2018).
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.