Breaking News: Hurricane Florence Hits North Carolina

Hurricane Florence approached the East Coast of the U.S. and hit North Carolina the evening of Sept. 13.

Although it was first determined to be a Category 3 hurricane, it has since been downgraded to a Category 1. It is considered a major hurricane and has been moving at 16 mph with winds as fast as 90 mph.

At least five have been killed in the hurricane, and around 120 are stranded in the storm surge, waiting for rescue.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has prepared their employees for deployment to natural disaster sites at a moment’s notice for up to four months.

According to FEMA external affair director Michael Cappannari, during natural disasters like Hurricane Florence they make sure to reinforce safety messages as well as send out Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams to help those affected by the storm. These are groups of about 10 that assess the most hurricane-stricken areas and report back on any emerging needs, and can register disaster survivors for help with the agency.

“FEMA will be there for as long as it takes,” Cappannari said. “It is important to remember though, all disasters are local – the partnership between Federal, State and Local Emergency management is imperative to a response effort going as smoothly as possible.”

Millions were warned of the hurricane, and people began evacuating their homes in North and South Carolina as soon as the incoming hurricane was announced.

Over half a million people have already lost power in North Carolina due to Hurricane Florence, and have not gained it back as of Sept. 14.