Tropical Storm Florence upgrades to hurricane status overnight

Sam Chaney, Managing Editor

Hurricane Florence strengthened to a hurricane by the morning of Sunday, Sept.9 and is now expected to continue rapid intensification, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Florence is forecast to rapidly strengthen to a major hurricane by Monday, and is
expected to remain an extremely dangerous major hurricane through Thursday,” the NHC said in its 11 a.m. update.

Aircraft data reportedly indicates that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph, and the center of Florence will approach the southeastern U.S. coast on Thursday, Sept. 13.

Florida Governor Rick Scott Tweeted on Saturday night that “We are now in the peak of hurricane season- disaster preparedness should be a major priority for your family. Get a plan now.”

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.