Florence could cause dangerous surf along US coast

MIAMI — Florence could cause dangerous surf and rip currents along parts of the U.S. East Coast this weekend as the storm swirls across the Atlantic, according to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center.

Though weakened to a tropical storm, Florence was expected to regain hurricane strength as it neared Bermuda. Large swells were likely to start hitting the British island territory in the north Atlantic Ocean on Friday.

According to NOAA, high risk of rip currents means that wind/wave conditions support dangerous rip currents that are life threatening to anyone entering the surf. Life threatening surf conditions are expected to impact our area into next week. Stay out of the Atlantic Ocean.
— Cape Hatteras National Seashore (@CapeHatterasNPS) September 8, 2018

Forecasters said it was too soon to tell where the storm would go. Some forecast models showed Florence slamming into land by late next week, while others indicated the storm would curve away from shore.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency on Friday evening, urging residents to use the weekend to prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster.

#Florence update: the storm is restrengthening, and will likely return to hurricane status by the end of the weekend - major hurricane status by Tuesday. As it strengthens, we'll get a much clearer picture of the path - here's the official NHC projection right now. pic.twitter.com/ZmgVhhfIXc
— Jaclyn Shearer (@JaclynWSOC9) September 8, 2018

"We are entering the peak of hurricane season and we know well the unpredictability and power of these storms," Cooper said.

South Carolina's Emergency Management Division also advised coastal residents to start making contingency plans.

Channel 9 will have continuing hurricane coverage this weekend and into next week, track the storm by downloading our weather app.

"The risk of other direct impacts associated with Florence along the U.S. East Coast next week has increased. However, there is still very large uncertainty in model forecasts of Florence's track beyond day (five), making it too soon to determine the exact location, magnitude, and timing of these impacts," hurricane specialist Robbie Berg wrote in a forecast advisory.

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Improving atmospheric conditions were expected to allow Florence to regain its former strength. The storm reached major hurricane status Wednesday, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 kph).

Meanwhile, two low pressure systems off the coast of Africa behind Florence also had high chances of developing into tropical storms, forecasters said.

"Since we are near the peak of hurricane season, this is a good time for everyone who lives in a hurricane-prone area to ensure they have their hurricane plan in place," hurricane specialist David Zelinsky wrote in a forecast advisory.

The National Hurricane Center said Florence's maximum sustained winds Friday night were estimated to be 60 mph (95 kph). The storm was centered about 875 miles (1,405 kilometers) east-southeast of Bermuda and moving west at 7 mph (11 kph).

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Associated Press