Days of predictions and preparations are being put to the test as a gradually weakening Hurricane Florence, downgraded on Sept. 15 to a tropical depression with wind speeds of about 35 mph, makes a soggy slog across the Carolinas. About 14 deaths were attributed to the storm as of Sunday noon Sept. 16 with others being investigated, according to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and officials in the two states.
All-time record flood levels significantly surpassing previous high-water levels are anticipated on many of the state’s eastern rivers, with more heavy flooding expected in western counties as the storm wandered west over the weekend.