Hurricane Florence updates and evacuations: Category 2 storm roars closer to Southeast - The Washington Post

Hurricane Florence updates and evacuations: Category 2 storm roars closer to Southeast - The Washington Post

Hurricane Florence continues barreling toward the southeastern United States on Thursday, bringing with it lashing winds, powerful rains and the threat of “catastrophic” flooding. The large and dangerous storm is expected to crash into the coast of the Carolinas and could impact millions with rainfall measured in feet, not inches, warnings of flash flooding and the potential for extended power outages.

Key updates: North Carolina’s governor warns residents: “Don’t relax” | “Time is running out | Florence begins lashing North Carolina

---

4:25 p.m.: Nuclear power plants to close 

Duke Energy said it would close a pair of nuclear power reactors at its Brunswick plant  on the Cape Fear River about four miles from Southport, N.C. Together, the units produce 1,870 megawatts.

The company said its procedures required closing the plants when facing a sustained period of 75 mph winds, even though the plants were designed to withstand winds of more than 200 mph. The units are  20 feet above sea level, said Rita Sipe, a company spokeswoman. She said they were designed to withstand a storm surge of 22 feet.