FINAL REPORT: NHC Details Hurricane Florence

news image
Special Stories
5 May 2019 3:52 AM
https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic/status/1124405559187394561 The National Hurricane Center has issued its complete evaluation of Hurricane Florence in their final Tropical Cyclone Report of 2018's Atlantic Season. Florence peaked at category 4 strength, before making landfall in North Carolina as a category 1 hurricane. However, Florence's true power was evident in the freshwater flooding and storm surge impacts across the southeast. This single storm was responsible for 22 direct deaths and 24 billion dollars in damage. NHC tracked Florence from its beginnings as a tropical wave off of the African coast. The cyclone systematically charged across the Atlantic into early September 2018. Florence went through several cycles of rapid intensification and weakening. Despite reaching peak intensity 725 n mi east-southeast of Cape Fear, NC, cooler sea surface temperatures caused by upwelling allowed it to weaken as it approached land. Florence made landfall as a 80-kt hurricane near Wrightsville Beach, NC on September 14, 2018. The slow forward speed kept heavy rain training over the same areas of the southeastern US. Flooding continued for days after landfall.

Top Stats:

Wind Speed:  150  mph Minimum Central Pressure: 937 millibars Maximum Storm Surge Inundation Heights: 8 to  11 ft above ground level Tornadoes: 44 across 3 states Deaths: 22 direct (15 in NC, 4 in SC,  3 in VA), 30 indirect Rainfall: Impacts outlined in an excerpt form the report:

"The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) estimates that wind and water damage caused by Florence totaled approximately $24 billion. This makes Florence the ninth-most-destructive hurricane to affect the United States. Approximately 1.1 million customers lost power due to Florence’s effects, with 1 million customers having lost power in North Carolina and 100,000 customers experiencing power loss in South Carolina."

 
All Weather News
More
First Tropical Storm of the Season Forms

First Tropical Storm of the Season Forms

It's Hurricane Prep Week on WeatherNation for

3 Jun 2026 9:40 PM
Hurricane Prep Week 2026

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!The Atlantic Hurrica

3 Jun 2026 9:05 PM
Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across South Florida

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across South Florida

What to ExpectWith a frontal boundary draped

3 Jun 2026 9:00 PM
Severe Threat Continues For Northern Plains

Severe Threat Continues For Northern Plains

It was an active Tuesday across the Plains, w

3 Jun 2026 8:15 PM
Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk to the Gulf Coast

Tropical Moisture Brings Increased Flood Risk to the Gulf Coast

The start of hurricane season is bringing an

3 Jun 2026 7:00 PM
Big Hail Targets the Central Plains Today; More Storms on the Way

Big Hail Targets the Central Plains Today; More Storms on the Way

COLORADO - Severe warned storms have been mov

2 Jun 2026 2:05 AM
Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Clear skies provided perfect viewing conditio

31 May 2026 1:50 PM