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Is Your State Ready for a Hurricane Florence?

The latest from Florence, plus recent coverage on how states and cities across the country are planning for the next big storm.

APTOPIX Tropical Weather North Carolina
U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers approach a Pollocksville, N.C., resident stranded on his van in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
(AP/Steve Helber)
Natural disasters affect lives and communities in innumerable ways. Here's some of the coverage about how Hurricane Florence is impacting state and local government, followed by recent Governing stories on disaster planning and recovery across the country. 

 

Tracking Hurricane Florence's Impact and Response:

In North and South Carolina, Fewer Than 10% Have Flood Insurance (USA Today)


The drenching rains and massive flooding are expected to inflict a high financial toll on homeowners.

 

Swollen Rivers Swamp Dumps, Raising Water Pollution Fears (Associated Press)


Several hog farms in North Carolina have flooded, which typically have large pits filled with hog urine and feces that can cause significant water contamination.

 

Florence Has Made Wilmington, N.C., an Island Cut Off From the Rest of the World (The Washington Post)


“Do not come here,” said Woody White, chairman of the board of commissioners of New Hanover County.

 

More Than 500 Reports of Price Gouging Post-Florence (CNN)


North Carolina has a new law to prevent price gouging, yet it's still happening.

 

Evacuating Everything But the Jail (The State)


The Al Cannon Detention Center is located in a flood zone and the South Carolina county of Charleston is under a mandatory evacuation, but officials did not clear the jail ahead of the storm.

 

Hurricane Florence’s Unusual Extremes Worsened by Climate Change (Inside Climate News)


Researchers estimate the storm’s rainfall forecast was 50 percent higher because of global warming.

 

More Recent Disaster Coverage From Governing:

Building Homes in Flood Zones: Why Does This Bad Idea Keep Happening?


As cities try to manage their growth, the population of people living in flood-prone areas is actually rising faster than elsewhere.

 

The Pact Changing How Governments Respond to Disaster


In moments of disaster, local and federal resources are rarely enough. But another answer is emerging.

 

How the New Tax Law Could Slow Disaster Recovery in Small Towns


A lesser-known provision in the GOP tax overhaul ends the benefits for victims of small-scale disasters.

 

It’s Natural Disaster Season. Can Your Government Afford It?

Most states don't know how much they spend on extreme weather events.

 

How Much Climate Change Will Cost Each U.S. County


It's not just an environmental issue, and for the first time, researchers have calculated global warming's potential economic impact on each county.

 

Climate Change Has Been a Losing Battle for Governments. Could a New Lawsuit Turn the Tide?


Rhode Island is using new tactics to hold fossil fuel companies responsible for disaster-related infrastructure damage.

 

The City Preparing for Climate Change Without Ever Saying the Words


Tulsa, Okla., a conservative oil town, serves as an example of how places can overcome politics to prevent damage and save lives.

 

How Cities Can Protect Poor People and Minorities From Climate Change


They're the most vulnerable to disasters, but they don't have to be.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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