Here's what the DC region can expect from Hurricane Florence

WASHINGTON - Hurricane Florence continues to gain strength while steadily making its way toward the East Coast. While computer models have shifted the forecast track for the storm noticeably to the south and west, it doesn't mean the D.C. region and other parts of the mid-Atlantic states are in the clear.

On Wednesday morning, the storm was about 550 miles from the Carolina coast and remains a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds. The storm is expected to make landfall early Friday morning near Wilmington, North Carolina.

While its exact path remains uncertain it is expected to bring huge amounts of rainfall wherever it strikes.

LOCAL IMPACT:

FRIDAY: Widespread showers and thunderstorms. This is when Hurricane Florence is expected to be closest to us. The D.C. region can expect a few inches of rain and coastal areas may experience minor flooding issues. It's possible that a storm surge between one and three feet may impact coastal Chesapeake Bay areas.

SATURDAY: The southward motion of the storm after it makes landfall will likely leave the D.C. region with mostly clear skies on Saturday. There will still be the possibility of scattered showers.

SUNDAY: Pop-up showers possible over the course of the day.

LATER NEXT WEEK: The remnants of Hurricane Florence could bring some heavy rain to the D.C. region by next week. More to come on this part of the forecast.

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