HURRICANE FLORENCE 105 MPH WINDS LASHING COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA
SUMMARY OF 200 PM EDT…1800 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…33.6N 76.0W
ABOUT 110 MI…180 KM ESE OF WILMINGTON NORTH CAROLINA
ABOUT 165 MI…270 KM E OF MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…105 MPH…165 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 315 DEGREES AT 10 MPH…17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…955 MB…28.20 INCHES
The weather radar shows the eye of Hurricane Florence inching its way westward. It appears Florence has slowed down even more as it nears the coast. Bands of heavy rains continue to sweep just inland of the coast. Gusts over 50 mph have already been observed along coastal area of North Carolina. Weather conditions there continue to deteriorate as a long duration of wind and rain gets underway,
Even though the top winds have dropped, the area of hurricane force winds continues to expand with coverage going out over 100 miles in all directions according to the latest recon report. Those winds will probably begin to move onshore late this afternoon or evening and continue overnight into Friday. There have been no major changes in the track forecast for Florence as it is forecast to touch the coast or go just inland and then begin a west southwest motion straddling the coastline into South Carolina late tonight and during Friday.
The weather observations at 2pm show 50 mph wind gusts on the coast with gusty winds and heavy rains spreading inland. The satellite loop below shows Florence near the bottom. We are sitting in clouds but they are not coming from the hurricane but from the decaying weather front overhead.
EASTERN SATELLITE
REGIONAL RADAR
Radars here and regionally are rather quiet. There are the odd spot showers or sprinkles that have shown up but we don’t see the more wide spread downpours we are seeing yesterday.
LOCAL RADAR NEW YORK CITY
LOCAL RADAR PHILADELPHIA
REMNANT FLORENCE RAIN THREAT FOR THE NORTHEAST & NORTHERN MID ATLANTIC?
There are no changes in our weather outlook for the next several days. Overnight cloudy humid conditions prevail with the odd shower or downpour. Temperatures will be in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Friday will be another cloudy day much like today with not much happening but drier air will begin to move in Friday afternoon from the East and some sun could break out over coastal areas later in the day. Saturday will be partly sunny and Sunday will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 70s and lower 80s. No rain is forecast through the weekend.
As far as the remnant low from Florence and rain for us the European model offers the most bullish view of this with the potential for several inches of rain later Monday night and Tuesday. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding this idea as models seem to be a bit all over the place with this. The GFS model is further west and therefore weaker. If the remnant low travels east of the Appalachians then the odds for a soaking rain here increases considerably. If it goes west of the mountains the the rain will be much less. Right now the situation remains in a state of flux and to be determined over the weekend.
MANY THANKS TO TROPICAL TIDBITS FOR THE USE OF MAPS
Please note that with regards to any tropical storms or hurricanes, should a storm be threatening, please consult your local National Weather Service office or your local government officials about what action you should be taking to protect life and property.
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