Tropical Storm Florence could hit US East Coast as major hurricane, forecasters warn

Storm likely to cause 'life-threatening surf and rip current conditions' in several areas

Forecasters have warned that Tropical Storm Florence may strike the US East Coast next week – possibly as a major hurricane.

The storm, which forecasters began warning about as early as 31 August, has lessened in intensity over the past week. But gradual restrengthening was expected over the weekend, and the storm was projected to become a hurricane as early as Monday, according to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC).

The storm was making its way over the Atlantic at about 9 mph (14 km/h) as of Saturday morning. It was unclear, however, exactly where it would make landfall – or if it would strike land at all. Some models predicted the hurricane hitting the East Coast early in the week, while others showed it curving away from the shore, according to the Associated Press.

Regardless, the NHC said swells generated by the storm were likely to cause “life-threatening" surf and rip current conditions in Bermuda and on the East Coast. The centre encouraged residents of these areas to review their hurricane plans as a precaution.

“There's still plenty of time for major changes to this forecast, but we need to start preparing for the likelihood of a major impact,” tweeted University of Minnesota meteorologist Eric Holthaus. "That's what every reliable weather model we have now shows.”

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on Friday, urging residents to make preparations. South Carolina's Emergency Management Division also urged residents to make emergency plans, and the US Navy ordered ships stationed in Virginia to be moved out of the port.

“While it’s still too early to know the storm’s path, we know we have to be prepared,” Mr Cooper said in a press release. “...We are entering the peak of hurricane season and we know well the unpredictability and power of these storms.”

Forecasters were watching another tropical storm, Helene, as it travelled over the Atlantic just behind Florence. A hurricane watch was in effect for the Cabo Verde islands of Santiago, Fogo, and Brava on Saturday morning, and the NHC warned of possible flash floods.

“The Atlantic Ocean is really heating up and we are clearly in the peak of hurricane season with multiple tropical entities,” the National Weather Service tweeted on Friday night, over a satellite image of several storms. “This weekend take a few minutes to review your hurricane preparedness plan or develop one.”