Watching Florence: Prepare for massive flooding

More than 20 people are dead and North Carolina could be facing the worst flooding in the state’s history, as tropical depression Florence continues to wreak havoc over the region. As of midday Monday, 19 river gauges in the Carolinas were at “major” flood stage, and the flooding could last for weeks.

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General information resources (scroll down for local area specific information):

First and foremost, please be aware of the current and potential severity of flooding and mudslides in your area, and take appropriate action. “We need everyone to be just as afraid of flooding as you would be for the winds of a hurricane or tornado," Weather Channel hurricane expert Rick Knabb said. "Waters are rising in entire communities. If you’re trapped in a flooded building, go to the highest level and call 911." Unsure of what's going on around you? Check out this high-level view of the storm in easy-to-read infographics covering everything from rainfall totals to future flooding risks.

Florence has now closed more than 100 roads and cut off power to almost 500,000 homes and businesses. On Monday, 20 high-water trucks from Fort Bragg delivered the rained-out city of Wilmington, N.C., enough food and water for 60,000 people for four days. Here is an interactive power outages map, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Thousands of residents have taken refuge in more than 100 shelters opened across South Carolina. President Donald Trump has approved federal reimbursement through FEMA for costs associated with emergency actions in the state.

One side effect we may not be thinking about: the financial cost of Florence. AccuWeather estimates that Florence will cause $30 billion to $60 billion "in economic impact and damage." As far as insurance goes, an estimated quarter of a million homes in North Carolina are projected to be affected by Florence. And an alarmingly high percentage of homeowners are underinsured for a water-driven natural disaster as destructive as Florence. Here is everything you need to know about flood insurance, whether you have it, don’t, or don’t know.

But it’s not all bad news. The Coast Guard has rescued a boatful of 10 beagles.

If you are in a position to help, The United Way Hurricane Florence Recovery Fund, The American Red Cross, Global Diving, The Salvation Army, and more charities are all accepting donations for survivors and first responders.

In South Carolina:

Our constant PSA: Please be safe. "Don’t drive around barricades or into standing water," said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. "Roads are closed for your safety. Don’t unnecessarily put yourself in harm’s way." Here is information on how to get out if you are trapped in a car.

As Florence moves out of the Greenville area, expect isolated storms. And in Anderson County, emergency management officials say the worst has come and gone. If your power is out, continue to check here for updates.

Starting tomorrow (Sept. 18), Ingles Markets will collect goods at store locations in the Upstate as part of a week long relief drive. Greenville County Animal Care is accepting donations — both pet products and money. Evacuees displaced by Florence can see a free concert at Bob Jones University on Tuesday as well. Check out Facebook and NextDoor to see how your friends and families are helping, as well. Go ahead, be a hurricane hero.

In North Carolina:

Florence has moved out of the state but again, please be safe as flooding continues to escalate. River flooding has left more than 14,000 people in emergency shelters. Eighteen counties so far have been included in a federal disaster declaration for North Carolina.

About 1,200 roads are closed, including 356 primary roads. Interstate 95 and portions of Interstate 40 remain closed, and many rivers are flooded with at least 13 more expected to reach moderate or major flood stage. State officials told residents to stay off the roads, especially south of U.S. 64 and east of interstates 73 and 74. Motorists should not try to drive around barricades and not attempt to return home if they've been evacuated. Here is a full list of North Carolina highway and road closures.

Rivers such as the Cape Fear, Lumber, Waccamaw and Pee Dee are most at risk. In Lumberton, North Carolina, the Lumber River crested at an all-time record high of 22.18 feet Monday morning. In Fayetteville, the Cape Fear River is forecast to crest at 61.8 feet Tuesday, which is more than 25 feet above flood stage and 7 feet below the all-time record. Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate in that city as the rivers rise.

And rain totals have been historic. Elizabethtown rang up 36 inches of rain. Swansboro saw 34 inches; Gurganus, 50 miles north of Wilmington, also exceeded 30 inches.

Here’s information about National Park damage, including the reopening of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Asheville area.

Here are some drone aerial photos of the unprecedented flooding in Fayetteville.

In Virginia:

Hurricane Florence has brought enough rain into the Shenandoah Valley to cause power outages, creek and stream flooding and county road closures. Here is a complete list of road closures and secondary roads flooded/impassible.

If you need to evacuate in Augusta County, emergency shelter sites are at the new Riverheads Elementary School and Kate Collins Middle School. An animal shelter for dogs and cats has been designated at the old Riverheads Elementary School. If you need to head to a shelter, please bring sleeping bags, blankets and pillows; towels; personal hygiene items; baby formula; diapers; medications; and phone chargers. 

As of 1:30 p.m. the South River in Lyndhurst had reached just above 11 feet and in downtown Waynesboro it was more than 12 feet. Here are photos and videos of the river rising — and the flooding — in the Shenandoah Valley.

Thank you for reading, and please please stay safe. How do you feel about this hurricane newsletter? Please give feedback here as it helps us provide you with the best information possible.