Hurricane aftermath: widespread damage

Many parts of the Carolinas have been rocked by the heaviest amount of rain on record for the particular region, and there are no signs of stopping. Portions of North Carolina and the northeastern section of South Carolina are supposed to have another foot or more of rain in the next weekend. This week could bring record high flood levels for the region.

As of right now, the Cape Fear River near Fayetteville is projected to rise nearly 45 feet and reach around 62.4 feet. Many of the homes within a mile radius of this river were evacuated on Saturday. The storm’s relatively slow forward speed combined with the proximity to warm waters of the gulf Stream have caused for tornadoes to rotate onshore and decimate the areas where the torrential rain has pounded for days. Despite the fact that rain will begin to subside this week, it will take weeks for the high water levels to finally subside.

At the moment there are 12 people who have been confirmed dead due to the effects of the storm. Florence knocked out power to nearly 800,000 homes and businesses in the surrounding area. The National Weather Service has continued its warning of “catastrophic” and “lifethreatening” flash floods. The storm continues its trek northward and may reach parks of Washington D.C. As the rainfall totals are still on the rise, many of the residents of the Carolinas are left stranded in their houses.

The Governor, Roy Cooper, has issued warnings against travel of any kind. Important Numbers: 30.58 inches: In Swansboro, North Carolina, 30.58 inches of rain has now accumulated, which is an all-time record for the most rainfall from any tropical storm or hurricane.

Also, it is the highest two-day and threeday rainfall totals ever recorded. 25.77 inches: The amount of rain that has fallen in Hoffman Raws, North Carolina. 10 to 20 inches: Amount of rain still to come in parts of the Carolinas as Hurricane Florence makes her way west and northwest. 2 mph: The speed of the storm which has continued to head forward. 18 trillion gallons: This is the projected total rainfall. It would be enough to put Texas under four inches of water.