Pray for all who are in the path of Hurricane Florence, especially those who don’t have the financial or physical means to adequately prepare for the storm. Download our guide to pray in agreement with other intercessors: Praying God’s Word in Times of Crisis.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

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Americans who reside on the East Coast have been instructed to thoroughly prepare of an enormous hurricane which is headed their way. The category four hurricane, Florence, is set to hit North and South Carolina on Thursday, and is likely to affect millions.

President Donald Trump issued his own warning on Twitter Tuesday, noting that his advisers had just informed him that Florence is likely to be “one of the worst storms to hit the East Coast in many years.” . . .

North and South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland have all declared states of emergency ahead of the mammoth hurricane, which is likely to wreak havoc later this week. The governor of South Carolina, Republican Henry McMaster, has ordered the evacuation of the state’s entire coastline to be evacuated starting at noon on Tuesday, predicting that some 1 million people are set to flee their homes. . . .

Florence, which is currently situated over the Atlantic, has sustained winds of about 140mph (220km/h), with around half a meter of rainfall expected in some areas. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that Florence could reach Category 5 status before it makes landfall around Wilmington, North Carolina. “Some strengthening is expected during the next 36 hours, and Florence is expected to be an extremely dangerous major hurricane through Thursday,” the NHC warned, as reported by CNN, adding that “there remains high confidence that Florence will be a large and extremely dangerous hurricane, regardless of its exact intensity.” . . .

“We are just going to do everything we can here to get everything secure as possible and then give the rest to God and see what happens,” one Wilmington resident told CBN News. Chaotic scenes have been noted in the city’s hardware and grocery stores, as residents frantically stock up on essential supplies to secure their homes and feed their families.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR HURRICANE FLORENCE?

Water & Food

At least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3-5 day
At least a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food
Food

Ready-to-eat canned meat, fruits, vegetables
Canned juices, powdered milk, soup
Non-perishable high-energy food: nuts, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars
Food for infants and elderly persons
Tools & Supplies

Cell phone with chargers
Hand-crank or battery-operated radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
First-aid kit
Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
Extra cash or travelers cheques, loose change
Manual can opener, utility knife
Map of area (for locating shelters or evacuation routes)
Matches in waterproof container
Multi-purpose tool
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Camera (damage photos)
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies
Personal items, plastic garbage bags and disinfectants
Clothing & Bedding

Sturdy shoes or work boots
Rain gear
Hats, work gloves, sunglasses
Extra set of clothing
Blankets or sleeping bags
Baby Items

Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, and medications
Special Items for Adults

Prescription and non-prescription medication that are regularly used, denture needs, contact lenses, eye glasses, hearing aid batteries
Important Records

Keep copies in a waterproof, portable container
Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, Social Security cards, immunization records
Bank accounts and credit card numbers
Inventory of valuable household goods
Family & emergency contact information
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Thousands of residents have been flocking to gas stations to fuel up for the impending evacuation.

HOW BIG IS HURRICANE FLORENCE?

The sheer power of Hurrican Florence is striking fear in the hearts of many residents, and for good reason. This storm is like unique on several different levels, giving it a distinctly beastly nature which some have likened to the devastating 2005 storm, Hurricane Katrina. . . .

He added: “The same type of surge we see in every land-falling, major hurricane like Katrina, like Hugo, like all of the big storms that push water on shore.” . . .

Marshall also made a terrifying comparison between Florence and last year’s devastating hurricane, Harvey, which claimed the lives of 82 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage.

“Unfortunately, it looks like it’s going to have a one-two punch like we saw with Hurricane Harvey in 2017. You’re going to have a major hurricane make landfall and that’s bad enough, but then it looks like, based on what I’m seeing from the models, the storm may stall and literally sit there and spin for a couple of days. That’s a recipe for a flooding disaster, particularly since much of the area that will be impacted is already quite saturated. So I think two to three feet of rainfall is not out of the question if this thing stalls for some parts of the area,” he explained.

The hurricane expert also noted his concern over a largely overlooked natural disaster risk: landslides. . . .

This is going to be a big one. Take as many safety precautions as you possibly can, and ensure that you and your family are well-protected from the elements. Finally, do pray for all those who find themselves in the path of this fierce storm! (Excerpted from Faithwire.com, reporting by Will Maule.)