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US-WEATHER-STORM
Hurricane Florence takes aim at US East Coast
MIAMI, Sept 9, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Florence is likely to surge back to
hurricane strength and take aim for the US East Coast states of North or
South Carolina, forecasters warned Saturday.
The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said its hurricane hunter
aircraft — which flies near and sometimes into storms to assess them —
found Florence “a little stronger and expected to become a hurricane again”
later Saturday or early Sunday.
The storm is forecast to strike as a major hurricane on Thursday — such a
large strike has not hit that area in decades.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an emergency on Friday to get
emergency operations rolling. South Carolina followed suit on Saturday.
“Interests along the US East Coast, particularly Florida through North
Carolina, should closely monitor the progress of Florence, ensure they have
their hurricane plan in place and follow any advice given by local
officials,” the NHC said.
Large ocean swells affecting Bermuda and these US coastal areas, will
continue into next week, the NHC warned, noting the “swells will result in
life-threatening surf and rip currents.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/0809 hrs