CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice instructed the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management along with the West Virginia National Guard Monday to prepare for possible emergency situations that could be caused by Hurricane Florence.
A news release from the governor’s office said the Guard would provide initial logistics support for FEMA efforts as the hurricane makes landfall.
“All West Virginians need to prepare immediately for the potential impact Hurricane Florence may bring to the Mountain State,” Justice said. “West Virginians should continue to monitor local weather forecasts, reports and information distributed by local emergency officials, news, and radio stations. And please, do not endanger yourselves, your loved ones or our first responders by trying to drive through flood waters!”
Your West Virginia National Guard is prepared and ready to respond to #HurricaneFlorence! https://t.co/pIGPwFfhyt
— WV National Guard (@WVNationalGuard) September 10, 2018
Accu-Weather Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said Monday evening the latest models showed the heaviest rain to the southeast of Roanoke, Virginia.
“The core of the really heavy rain is projected to be well southeast of West Virginia. Mostly like east of Roanoke and down into the North Carolina area but even Roanoke could end up with several inches of rain from this,” Kottlowski said during an appearance on MetroNews “Hotline.”
The heaviest rainfall projections Monday for West Virginia were in an area from Bluefield to Lewisburg and north to Elkins. The governor’s office also said the Eastern Panhandle, Potomac Highlands and Mountain Lakes could see significant rainfall.
Those same projections had the Kanawha Valley getting less than two inches of rain.
But Kottlowski was quick to point out the path could change.
“The current information is that it will move inland and again the question is, now far inland? That’s a question we can’t answer right now,” he said.
Don’t concentrate on the exact forecast track of Hurricane #Florence. Significant effects will extend outside the cone, and will arrive at the coast sooner than the eye. For more information about impacts at your specific location, go to https://t.co/SiZo8ozBbn pic.twitter.com/EXWr4Cb4NC
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2018
The governor said the National Guard is getting its equipment and personnel ready for possible deployment.
Kottlowski said Raleigh, North Carolina, where West Virginia is scheduled to play North Carolina State Saturday afternoon is in the path for very heavy rain.
“Areas east of them could end up with a couple of feet of rain. They could end up with 8 to 16 inches when it’s all said and done,” he said.
Columbia, South Carolina, where Marshall is scheduled to play South Carolina Saturday is in a little better shape. Kottlowski said the area may be spared from any significant precipitation.