Tropical Storm Florence forecast to possibly become a major hurricane earlier than originally anticipated

Sam Chaney, Managing Editor
September 8, 2018

In the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. update, Tropical Storm Florence was originally forecast to strengthen to a major hurricane by Tuesday, Sept. 11. Now, however, the NHC said in its 5 p.m. update that Florence is expected to strengthen to a hurricane by tonight, Sept. 8, and reach major hurricane status by Monday, Sept. 10.

“Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph,” the update said.

Rapid intensification is forecast to occur on Sunday, Sept. 9.

Courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.

According to the NHC, surf swells generated by Florence are affecting Bermuda and are beginning to reach portions of the U.S. East Coast.

Spinnaker will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

—

For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact editor@unfspinnaker.com.