The Effects of Hurricane Florence

Ania Szydlowski, Editor

A damages section of dock dangles above the water with buildings and structures in the background.

Currently in North and South Carolina, Hurricane Florence is creating massive floods and landfalls; causing at least 18 deaths so far. Images and videos show cities submerged in water making it impossible for people to leave the area.

 

The rain storms we see in Chicago do not compare to the flooding from Hurricane Florence. “Hurricane Florence is terrible and devastating” notes Zora Kresak-Kiaer ‘21. Heavy rain triggers flash flooding and river flooding from the Carolinas into western Virginia and eastern West Virginia. The Headwaters Dam near Creston, North Carolina is in danger of failing and threatening people living downstream. Homeowners are being asked to evacuate as soon as possible.

 

As the days of the hurricane continue, the quality of the storm worsens. Due to relentless rainfall, 70 roads were reportedly closed. Flash Flood warnings have been posted in the affected counties. Swansboro in North Carolina received more than 30 inches of rain. Devastating destruction is seen where the wake of Florence powerful storm. “Hurricane Florence is a devastating tragedy to many and deserves more attention. I hope everyone in North Carolina and elsewhere will be okay and be able to to back on their feet,” Annika Chroback-Prince ‘19. The National Hurricane Center said Florence is still expected to produce excessive rainfall as it turns from the Carolinas over the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England early this week. “Hurricane Florence is so sad. I’m praying that they find the right resources to recover,” Siauna Respress ‘20. Despite warnings of the danger that comes with the Florence powerful storm, many people decided to stay at their home knowing the risks volunteers are taking to rescue them. Sadly, some people use this event for loothing nearby stores.

 

While thousands of people struggle to overcome the damage left behind by the Florence storm, the citizens of Wilmington with masks on broke into a Family Dollar Store and stole anything they could find useful for them. Police enacted curfew in order to control the looting. Although Hurricane Florence’s conditions are currently in a bad state, it is set out to worsen while possibly spreading to Virginia.