In September 1999, I was on the way to Wilmington for a wedding when we braked in the middle of Interstate 40.
 
The road ended in a lake that wasn't supposed to be there. It was a surreal moment since you don’t expect to find an interstate under water.
 
But all bets are off in a hurricane, even one like Floyd, whose main destruction came under sunny skies and devastating floods afterward.
 
For those who have been in North Carolina for a while, the names Floyd, Fran, Hugo and Hazel have become part of the state’s lore.
 
Let’s hope Florence doesn’t get added to the list. Let’s hope Florence is an Ana or an Earl: storms that prompt complaints about over-hyped coverage and brush past the area.
 
Let’s hope to get back to regular business soon.
 
Let’s hope Jim Cantore moves right on along.
 
As of right now, though, it’s not looking too good.
 
If Hurricane Florence weakens as currently expected, it is still forecasted to make landfall as a Category 3 storm. Gov. Roy Cooper today issued a mandatory evacuation order for the coast’s barrier islands – something that hasn’t been done in recent hurricanes.
 
“We can’t expect this storm to blow over in a matter of hours. Remember you need to have enough supplies for several days,” Cooper said.
 
Since the weekend, residents and businesses have been on the alert, boarding up windows, calling insurance agents, filling up gas tanks and hitting the stores for water and generators.
 
Like the meme making the rounds: Getting ready for Hurricane Florence is like being stalked by a turtle.
 
Soon, however, that turtle will snap.
 
Today, you might be already on the way out of town or stocking up to ride out the storm here. Whichever you decide, we plan to stick with you through updates.
 
The Business Journal will continue coverage through the week on our website and daily emails as well as social media channels.
 
So keep up with media reports and announcements from emergency officials; download the state’s Ready NC app. Pack the pets. Fill the tub.


Our hope is that by now you're well stocked on flashlights, batteries and water – and that you won't need to use them.

 
Above all, we hope you and your family remain safe this week.