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Despite the hurricane weakening somewhat since its peak as a Category 4, it has grown in overall size and its predicted deceleration in forward speed will take a costly toll.
Coastal areas will be bombarded with torrential rain, high winds, coastal erosion and storm surge, possibly for days. Inland areas will be poured upon for days. Gusty winds in the saturated soil will topple trees and lead to widespread power outages.
"There will be extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Florence as it drifts slowly toward the coast late this week before making landfall near the North Carolina and South Carolina border later Friday into Saturday. Winds on the east side of the storm are going to be most effective in driving storm surge flooding as the wind and waves pound the coast. That is one of many factors in why AccuWeather is estimating $50 to 60 billion in economic impact and damagefrom Florence,” AccuWeather Founder and President Dr. Joel N. Myers said.