Hurricane Florence has intensified to a Category 2 hurricane and is expected to make landfall near Wilmington as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday evening.

The National Weather Service is predicting 6 to 12 inches of rain for the area. Flooding is likely, both flash flooding initially, followed by longterm river flooding. Tropical storm force winds are expected to be felt in the region as early as Wednesday night.

From the National Hurricane Center:

1. A life-threatening storm surge is likely along portions of the coastlines of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and a Storm Surge Watch will likely be issued for some of these areas by Tuesday morning. All interests from South Carolina into the mid-Atlantic region should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and follow any advice given by local officials.

2. Life-threatening freshwater flooding is likely from a prolonged and exceptionally heavy rainfall event, which may extend inland over the Carolinas and Mid Atlantic for hundreds of miles as Florence is expected to slow down as it approaches the coast and moves inland.

3. Damaging hurricane-force winds are likely along portions of the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina, and a Hurricane Watch will likely be issued by Tuesday morning. Damaging winds could also spread well inland into portions of the Carolinas and Virginia.

4. Large swells affecting Bermuda and portions of the U.S. East Coast will continue this week, resulting in life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Hurricane Florence coverage will continue to be updated throughout the day.