Storm "Arthur" to turn into hurricane by Thursday (Hatteras Island in North Carolina evacuation)

US authorities announced the evacuation of residents of Hatteras Island in North Carolina because of the approaching tropical storm "Arthur." This was announced today that the regional emergency service. Start of the evacuation of residents and visitors of the island is scheduled for 5:00 Thursday local time (13:00 MSK). Gusts of wind, rough seas and flooding of the highway connecting the island to the mainland are expected in the region.

"All residents and visitors of the island are advised to leave it as soon as possible during the day," it says in the message.

Earlier storm alert was issued in the state. According to experts from the National Centre for Monitoring hurricanes in Miami, "Arthur" continues to gain strength and will turn into a hurricane on Thursday.

For now it is unclear where exactly it would hit the land, but scientists believe that it might happen right next to Cape Hatteras.

East Coast residents fear that "Arthur" can ruin their plans to celebrate on Friday one of the major US national holidays, Independence Day. Americans often spend this day outdoors, having picnics with friends. In many cities, including Washington and New York, colorful fireworks are usually taking place. This year heavy rains and strong winds might cancel these plans.

The hurricane season in Atlantic usually lasts from June 1 to November 30. It is expected that this year it will not be very active. According to the meteorologists’ forecasts, from 8 to 13, tropical storms will be started over the Atlantic. About three or six of them will turn into hurricanes, and one or two will grow up to the third category of danger according to the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Atmospheric phenomenon is classified as a storm and gets its own name, if the wind speed reaches its epicenter at 63 kilometers per hour. Storm becomes a hurricane when wind speed reaches 118 km per hour.
[voiceofrussia.com]
3/7/14
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