HURRICANE FLORENCE REVIEW
September 12-15, 2018
Event Overview
Hurricane Florence moved very slowly through eastern North Carolina from September 12th through September 15th, 2018, making landfall at Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington early in the morning on September 14th. The storm brought major rainfall, storm surge, and wind impacts to eastern North Carolina, the likes of which had not been seen in some locations in a generation or more. Hurricane Florence resulted in 22 direct fatalities, was associated with 30 indirect fatalities, and caused an estimated $24 billion in damage, making it the 9th most destructive hurricane in US history at the time.
Synopsis
Hurricane Florence impacted eastern NC near the typical peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, but was unique in that it took a less common due-westward approach into the coast. Here is the story of Florence on its journey across the Atlantic...
NWS Services
The National Hurricane Center forecast was exceptional for Florence, with the potential for the storm to track toward and bring significant impacts to the the Carolinas highlighted nearly a week before the storms arrival.
The effects of prolonged heavy rainfall, including both flash and longer term river flooding, were the most widespread major to catastrophic impact of Hurricane Florence. The forecast 5 day rainfall verified exceptionally well considering these rainfall amounts were previously unheard of in eastern NC.
Weather balloons provide critical weather data above the surface, helping improve the quality of forecasts and services. Despite strong winds and heavy rainfall, NWS Morehead City continued to collect this critical information throughout the duration of Hurricane Florence.
Weather balloon release from the NWS Morehead City office during strong winds in Hurricane Florence. Video Credit: NWS Morehead City
Sheltered in a hardened building away from the storm surge threat, NWS Morehead City continued full operations despite the impacts of Hurricane Florence going on outside. Ample supplies and preparations proved necessary as the office was cut off in all directions by flooding, with staff sheltering in place for 3 days or more while continuing to fulfill the NWS mission of protecting life and property.
NWS staff continuing 24/7 operations before, during, and after Hurricane Florence.
Flash Flooding
FLASH FLOODING IMPACTS
This is why you should never drive through flooded areas... Flash flooding on creeks and small streams caused many road collapses and washouts during and immediately after Hurricane Florence. Most fatalities in hurricanes like Florence are water related... especially people trying to drive on flooded roadways.
Storm Surge
STORM SURGE IMPACTS
Storm surge flooding along Highway 24 (Bogue). Video Credit: NWS Morehead City
Major storm surge occurred across most coastal areas south of Cape Hatteras. Wave energy compounded the impacts of the surge flooding along the beaches and north and east facing shorelines on the sounds and rivers. Evacuations likely saved many lives.
Wind
WIND IMPACTS
Widespread tree and structure damage occurred across eastern NC. Much of the Crystal Coast, New Bern, and Jacksonville areas lost power, with some other utilities, such as cell and internet service, lost as well.
River Flooding
RIVER FLOODING IMPACTS
Record river flooding brought never-before-seen impacts to inland areas. This flooding persisted for days to weeks after Florence departed, cutting off critical transportation routes and complicating recover efforts.
NASA Earth Observatory Satellite Imagery (Landsat 8) showing the increased flooding of the Trent River (dark coloring) following Hurricane Florence.
Other Impacts
Evacuations
In Craven County, over 100,000 people were told to evacuate, with approximately 16,000 actually evacuating. There were 1800 water rescues.
In Carteret County, 65,000 people were told to evacuate, with several thousand actually evacuating. There were 437 water rescues.
In Onslow County, over 190,000 were told to evacuate, with several thousand actually evacuating. Over 1,000 water rescues took place.
Media
Extensive interaction occurred between NWS Morehead City and local media partners leading up to, during, and after Hurricane Florence. Interviews were conducted in person, via virtual conferencing, and over the phone. Thanks to excellent collaboration with media partners, a unified and consistent message helped save lives during Hurricane Florence.
Warning Coordination Meteorologist Erik Heden conducts interviews in person (left and right) and virtually (center) in the days leading up to Hurricane Florence.