Hurricane Florence significantly impacted the U.S. East Coast in September 2018. This tropical cyclone caused extensive damage, particularly in the Carolinas. Its progression highlighted the destructive potential of hurricanes, even as intensity fluctuates.
Hurricane Florence’s Classification
Hurricane Florence reached peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph on September 11, 2018. The storm then weakened as it approached the coast.
Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on September 14, 2018, as a Category 1 hurricane. At the time of landfall, its maximum sustained winds were around 90 mph. Despite weakening in wind speed before reaching shore, Florence’s large size and slow forward movement meant it still posed a significant threat. The sluggish motion contributed to prolonged exposure of affected areas to heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts.
Understanding Hurricane Intensity
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. This scale provides an estimate of potential property damage. It focuses solely on wind speed and does not account for other hazards like storm surge, rainfall flooding, or tornadoes, which can also be highly destructive.
- Category 1 (74-95 mph): Can cause damage to roofs, shingles, and gutters, and lead to power outages lasting a few days.
- Category 2 (96-110 mph): Can inflict major roof and siding damage, along with near-total power loss for days to weeks.
- Category 3 (111-129 mph): Considered “major hurricanes,” causing devastating damage, including structural damage to homes and widespread power and water outages lasting weeks.
- Category 4 (130-156 mph): Capable of causing catastrophic damage, such as severe structural damage to framed homes and downed power poles that isolate residential areas for weeks or months.
- Category 5 (157 mph or higher): Includes storms that can destroy a high percentage of framed homes, leading to total roof failure and wall collapse, making affected areas uninhabitable for extended periods.
Florence’s Path and Consequences
Hurricane Florence originated from a tropical wave, organizing as it tracked across the Atlantic Ocean. It then turned northwestward towards the United States.
The storm’s slow movement upon approaching and after landfall was a significant factor in its impacts. Florence stalled over the Carolinas, resulting in record-breaking rainfall that exceeded 30 inches in some areas of North Carolina. This excessive rainfall led to widespread freshwater flooding, which was a primary cause of damage. Storm surge also contributed to flooding along the coast, with water levels reaching over 10 feet in some locations.
The combination of strong winds, prolonged heavy rain, and storm surge caused extensive damage across North and South Carolina. This included uprooted trees, downed power lines leading to widespread outages, and inundated roads. Major interstates became impassable, and cities like Wilmington were cut off by floodwaters. Hurricane Florence resulted in approximately $24.2 billion in damages and was associated with 54 fatalities. Due to its impact, the name “Florence” was retired from the list of hurricane names.