When we got the news that the Mid-Atlantic was going to be hit with a devastating hurricane, we ran to the office roof and started blowing in a southwesterly direction. We huffed, and we puffed, but, despite our best efforts, we were unable to divert the storm. We’re sorry.

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In all seriousness, Hurricane Florence is shaping up to be a doozy. Here is the latest update as of WEDNESDAY at 1:00 PM:

Hurricane Florence is blasting toward the Carolinas, carrying sustained winds of up to 130 mph and the threat of "life-threatening storm surge and rainfall," the National Hurricane Center says.
A hurricane warning – meaning hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours — is in effect for a long stretch of the coast, from the Santee River in South Carolina to Duck, N.C., which is part of the Outer Banks.
Hurricane conditions will likely hit the area around North Carolina's southern coast on Friday, but tropical storm conditions will arrive on Thursday, according to the hurricane center.
"Disaster is at the doorstep and is coming in," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said. "If you are on the coast, there is still time to get out safely."

The good news for those in the Washington D.C. area is that it’s looking like the worst of the storm will remain south of y’all. It is expected to stall over the Carolinas and work its way further inland as opposed to north up the Mid-Atlantic. D.C. officials still warn of flooding and a potential storm-surge up the Chesapeake Bay and into the Potomac.
   
Basically, no matter where you are in the Mid-Atlantic:

We wanted to take this time to share with you some tips and resources to help you prepare for Hurricane Florence

Before the storm

- Fill your vehicles with gas
- Have adequate food and water for you and your pet
- Charge phone and portable batteries
- Bring patio or balcony objects inside
- Close your blinds (we don’t recommend that you tape windows as it has no proven effectiveness; if you feel compelled to board them up, that would be advised)
- Check that your Renters Insurance is up to date
- Place Important Documents in a water-tight container

During the Storm

- Stay indoors
- Keep away from windows
- If advised by authorities, turn off your power
- Monitor the news

After the Storm

- Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
- Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
- Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
- Please reach out for any assistance.

We also recommend that you keep yourself up to date on the latest hurricane news with these helpful resources.

D.C. Emergency Management

Twitter
Facebook
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FEMA

Mobile App

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Weather Tracking

Accuweather
National Hurricane Center
The Weather Channel

   Again, please be smart. Hurricanes are not the time to get a dope Snap story or go signing in the rain. Grab a flashlight and a book and wait it out in a closet. That’s the formula we will be following.

Also, lend a hand in the cleanup. Some of the most amazing displays of humanity and kindness materialize after a catastrophe. Offer your neighbor whatever you can, and we will all get through this together.

Be safe everybody.

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