Culture

Hurricane Hermine Weakens Into A Tropical Storm, But A ‘Life-Threatening’ Flooding Risk Remains

On Friday, Hurricane Hermine was downgraded to a tropical storm, but officials are warning that Florida residents could still see life-threatening surges and flooding. Hermine was the first hurricane the state has seen in 11 years (with Hurricane Wilma being the last such unwelcome visitor). The storm’s creating massive flooding, toppled trees and downed power lines, as reported by NBC News.

Hermine was deemed a Category 1 hurricane when it made landfall with winds blowing as fast as 80 mph. On Thursday, Governor Rick Scott warned residents how the hurricane could present life-threatening conditions, and he urged them to prepare for the worst. The hurricane has stretched beyond Florida, and NBC News reports that 200,000 utility customers are without power in Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina after a number of power lines were knocked down.

Some of the social media photos from the storm have been incredible.

https://twitter.com/TamaraLush/status/771698675080949760

https://twitter.com/newszbreakinwx/status/771526355804651520

The National Weather Service has reported that northwest Florida and southern Georgia could see between 5 and 10 inches of rain through Friday, and possible severe floods could reach 20 inches. Gov. Scott urged resident to be cautious if they step outside: “You can rebuild a home. You can rebuild property. You cannot rebuild a life.”

The National Hurricane Center, as reported by MarketWatch, revealed heavy rain could also reach Virginia and New Jersey on Saturday with possible tornadoes reaching across northern Florida and southern Georgia.

(Via CNN & NBC News & MarketWatch)

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