The storm's winds topped 130 mph as of Monday, making it a Category 4 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. Damaging hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge are likely along portions of the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina later this week. Storm watches are expected to go up tomorrow ahead of a Thursday night or early Friday morning landfall.
For the latest Hurricane Florence forecast, go here.
Travel disruptions
The storm is expected to disrupt travel along the Eastern shore.
Southwest Airlines has issued a travel advisory for Sept. 12-16 and is allowing customers flying through Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville/Spartanburg, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Raleigh/Durham and Richmond to make travel changes without paying a recalculated fare.
Other airlines are expected to do the same as the storm approaches.
Cruise ship changes
Florence is also forcing cruise ships to change itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape, based in New York, was rerouted from Bermuda to the Bahamas due to the storm. Royal Caribbean and two Carnival ships — the Pride and Horizon — have changed itineraries and stops due to Florence.
Evacuations
North Carolina has ordered residents to evacuate the state's Outer Banks barrier island starting today. All of Hatteras Island is under a mandatory evacuation order with other parts of the Outer Banks required to evacuate by 7 a.m. EDT Tuesday.
North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are all under a state of emergency.
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