Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force winds of 70-90 mph with gusts to 110 mph are forecast for Jacksonville, Richlands and Topsail Beach until Saturday morning. More than two feet of rain could fall in those areas, causing extreme flooding. Storm surge of 9-13 feet along the New River and White Oak River will last through early Sunday afternoon.
In Morehead City, Beaufort and Emerald Isle, the National Weather Service is forecasting Cat 1 Hurricane force winds of 55-75 mph with gusts to 95 mph. There’s the potential for extreme flooding rain 18-24 inches, with locally higher amounts. Storm surge of 9-13 feet is expected with Hurricane Florence.
In New Bern, Havelock and Vanceboro, tropical storm force winds are expected through early Saturday morning, at 55-70 mph with gusts to 85 mph. There’s the potential for 9-13 feet of storm surge through Sunday, especially in areas northwest of New Bern, like Swift Creek near Vanceboro. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect with 12-18 inches of rain possible with locally higher amounts.