Florence: South Carolina Declares State Of Emergency

A state of emergency has been declared in South Carolina because of Tropical Storm Florence, which government officials say is forecast to be a dangerous major hurricane near the southeast U.S. coast by late next week.

The National Hurricane Center cautioned that given the uncertainty in track and intensity forecasts at those time ranges, it's too soon to determine the exact timing, location and magnitude of impacts. The NHC says residents from North Florida through North Carolina should monitor Florence's progress and have a hurricane plan in place.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Saturday. According to The State, McMaster said the storm was "a very unpredictable hurricane." Latest forecast models from the NHC showed the storm aiming directly for the southeast coast.

“This storm is too powerful and its path is too uncertain to take any chances,” McMaster said. “We are mobilizing the state’s resources to make sure we are prepared, and the people of South Carolina must not hesitate to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane impacting our coast.”

In its latest advisory, the NHC said Florence is becoming better organized and is expected to strengthen to a hurricane Saturday night. Florence is currently packing wind speeds of 65 miles per hour with stronger gusts.

Swells generated by Florence will reach the east coast over the weekend, according to the NHC.

Click here for information from the state on hurricane preparation for 2018.

Photo via NHC