Prepare for the worst: the latest data on a powerful hurricane going to the USA

On Sunday tropical storm Florence intensified again before the hurricane — by the end of the week, a Category 3 or 4 landfall is expected (for comparison, last year’s Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane). The East Coast can expect a powerful blow from the elements, so states located in the area of ​​possible hurricane movement are actively preparing for predicted and unforeseen situations.

Фото: Depositphotos

It is assumed that Florence will pick up the strength of the 3 Hurricane category on Monday with steady wind speeds of more than 110 miles per hour (177 km / h). And it is unlikely to weaken before striking the shores of North and South Carolina and Virginia on Thursday, reported USA Today AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Rossi.

The land in these areas is already saturated with recent rains, the water level in the rivers is high, and the storm will move slowly, exacerbating the situation, the meteorologist says.

“There's a chance of some scary heavy rainfall this week,” Rossi said. “Florence could bring as much as a foot (30 cm) of rain to places that cannot handle it, turning the situation into threatening flooding in some areas.”

The National Hurricane Center reports that 3 category storms can have devastating effects. Houses can be damaged, trees are uprooted, and there is no electricity or water for several days or weeks, the center warns.

“There is an increased risk of life-threatening hazards from storm surge and heavy rainfall from the Carolinas toward the mid-Atlantic region,” the hurricane center said.

The Navy said all ships offshore Hampton Roads in Virginia were preparing to leave port for the open sea on Monday. Admiral Christopher Grady says that "ships deal with storms of this magnitude more effectively when they are far offshore."

South Carolina Emergency Management officials said they are "preparing for the possibility of a large-scale disaster."

Virginia joined North and South Carolina, declaring a state of emergency in front of a hurricane. According to Governor Ralph Northam, the Virginia National Guard, state police and other government agencies have already begun training. Due to the uncertainty of the storm trajectory, Northam called on all residents of the state to prepare. According to him, Florence can carry significant streams of water along the coast to rivers and streams in the western part of the state.

“I encourage Virginians to monitor the forecasts and prepare now,” Northam said.

All three governors called on residents to prepare emergency kits, including food, water, medicines, pet supplies, and important documents that may be required in case of evacuation.

“Now is the time for your family to prepare and stay tuned for updates,” said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. “Prepare for the worst, pray for the best.”

Photo: Twitter

Recall that as of Sunday morning the wind speed was fixed at 70 miles per hour (113 km / h). But the tropical storm is moving toward warmer waters. According to the latest forecasts, the east coast of Florence will approach as a 4 hurricane with winds up to 140 miles per hour (225 km / h). Preliminary data says he may touch the US coast on Thursday.

Such a storm could cause power outages that could last for weeks or even months, the National Hurricane Center said. If Florence made landfall with such winds (it would not necessarily be the case), "much of the area would be uninhabitable within a few weeks or months."

The Weather Channel noted that “all regions along the East Coast of the United States, from Florida to New England, should closely monitor the progress and forecasts for Florence. If you live in an area that could be affected by a hurricane, make sure you have a hurricane preparedness plan in place before official warnings are issued."

Photo: noaa.gov

Two other storms, Helene and Isaac, are raging in the central and eastern Pacific. Weather forecasters say that Helen may not reach land, Isaac promises to get to the Caribbean region next week. Residents are advised to follow forecasts.

Most storms in this region tend to change their trajectory and not reach the United States. But an unusually strong high pressure could block the deviation, said meteorologist Ryan Mau.

"If you live anywhere from coastal Georgia to Massachusetts, you better start planning your next steps now," said meteorologist Mike Bettes.

In August last year, Hurricane Harvey also had the power of the 4 category on landfall in Texas, which led to catastrophic floods in the southeastern part of the state, massive destruction and the death of 83 people. The damage caused by the disaster amounted to 70 billion US dollars.

Read also on ForumDaily:

The most powerful hurricane of the season has formed in the Atlantic Ocean - Florence

Storm Gordon came to the land: there are first victims. VIDEO

What states are threatened by a new storm that is coming to the USA

Tropical cyclone brings heavy rains to Florida

This winter can be harsh: what forecasts show

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.