"Hurricane Florence has the potential to cause catastrophic flooding, especially in our coastal areas," Governor Northam said in a statement. "This evacuation is for the safety of thousands of Virginians living in that zone. But the effects of this storm will be felt statewide, and I encourage everyone in Virginia to prepare now."
The Virginia governor added that the entire state will be affected but further evacuations are not necessary at this time. He also stated that the hurricane's path is liable to change and that Virginians should prepare for "coastal storm surge, inland flooding that may be severe, high winds, and widespread power outages."
Florence has grown to a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130mph as it descends upon the southeastern seaboard of the US.
Meanwhile, roughly one million people have been ordered to evacuate from South Carolina's entire coastline.
The National Hurricane Centre has warned of "life-threatening" storm surges along the south-eastern seaboard and freshwater flooding due to a "prolonged and exceptionally heavy rainfall event."
Comment: Potential for tremendous rainfall from Hurricane Florence as 'atmospheric brick wall' sets up
It could be the worst hurricane to hit the Carolinas in over 60 years. The latest Category 4 to hit the Carolinas was Hurricane Hazel in 1954.
Comment:
Check out the rather unsettling satellite image below of all the storms occurring across our planet right now:
And more on hurricane Florence: