Florence Flood Update, 3:30pm Saturday

Below is the 3:20pm radar of Tropical Storm Florence.

Tragically, the Florence Flood Event is just beginning. The storm is moving slowly west and continues to dump torrential rains which is leading to catastrophic failures. Both I-40 and I-95 are already closed. Areas are flooding that have never flooded before. More major highways will be closed with travel increasingly hazardous -- especially tonight.

Details below:

Forecast Additional Rainfall though Tuesday

Below is a map of how much rain has already fallen. A few weather stations are reporting more than 30 inches.

The white areas are more than 20 inches. A few spots within the white area have had more than 30 inches.

Below are the flash flood forecasts. Keep in mind that 80% of all flash flood deaths occur in "high risk" areas.

Until 8am Sunday

8am Sunday to 8am Monday

8am Monday to 8am Tuesday

A few vital points:

• Put together a "go kit" with passports, current utility bill (to establish residence), birth certificates, family heirlooms and other vital and difficult to replace material so you can leave at a moment's notice.
• Be able to shut off gas and water to your home at a moment's notice. 
• Keep your car filled with gas. 
• If you are in a flash flood warning, climb first rather than than just driving away.
• Turn around, don't drown! Do not try to drive through flooded areas. 
• If you live in a flood-prone area, evacuate now. 
• There will be mudslides in/near the mountains and foothills

Please evacuate if ordered to do so.