First thing’s first, if you are reading this and you are on the East Coast, get prepared. Hurricane Florence is getting more organized and it is now anticipated it could be the largest hurricane storm to ever hit the east coast, north of Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the government agency that tracks hurricanes, is warning coastal residents that Hurricane Florence could bring life-threatening storm surges and catastrophic flooding. What does catastrophic flooding mean? Try nine feet of water in some areas.
Even inland areas could see an astonishing 30” of rainfall. Listen to this warning from National Hurricane Director Ken Graham.
The NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center has dispatched “hurricane hunters” to monitor the storms. How do the monitor? By flying around, above and even into the eye of the storm.
Incredible. Another “hurricane hunter” got this footage yesterday, where it looks almost peaceful in the center of this powerful storm.
But, don’t be fooled, here’s video from the International Space Station show just how big Hurricane Florence is as it approaches the east coast.
For more information about hurricane hazards, evacuation plans, basic preparedness kits, etc., see these handy guides at hurricane.gov. Most importantly, heed the advice of local and national officials, especially when they order evacuations.