UPDATE: As Hurricane Florence nears the East Coast, it is expected to make landfall Thursday afternoon. While the storm has been downgraded from a category 4 to a category 2 hurricane there are still major concerns of heavy flooding that could be deadly.
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia coasts could experience prolonged hurricane-force winds and rain if the storm stalls which could result in a major flooding event with storm surges up to 15 feet.
As #HurricaneFlorence moves ashore, heavy rain and possible flooding is expected. Do not take unnecessary risks or place others in danger by driving through high water or around barricades. #Florence #SCWX #SCtweets #Hurricane #TurnAroundDontDrown pic.twitter.com/sn8HqidBD2
— SCEMD (@SCEMD) September 13, 2018
For Mississippians who have family in the area, hurricane warnings are in effect from the South Santee River in South Carolina to Duck, North Carolina. The Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds in North Carolina are also under a hurricane warning.
Members of the Mississippi National Guard are preparing to support Hurricane Florence recovery operations along the East Coast of the United States.
A release from the Mississippi National Guard stated that approximately 20 Soldiers and Airmen will provide rotary wing aviation and mission planning support to states impacted by the storm. Soldiers from Meridian’s Company B, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment will provide heavy-lift support using two CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Mississippi Air National Guard personnel will support relief planning and coordination efforts from Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow Americans in the pathway of Hurricane Florence,” said Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi. “The Mississippi National Guard stands ready to assist with saving lives and property during recovery operations.”
Crews from the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency have already deployed to the East Coast.
“First responders and emergency crews from all over the U.S. helped Mississippi in our time of need after Katrina, and we are more than happy to pass it on. Godspeed to everyone answering the call,” said Governor Phil Bryant.
I have spoken with @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and SC Gov. @henrymcmaster as they prepare for #HurricaneFlorence. Mississippi has deployed emergency personnel to assist. Please join Deborah and me in praying for our friends on the East Coast as this dangerous storm approaches land.
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) September 12, 2018
