Areas from Virginia through Pennsylvania are already above normal rainfall amounts by as much as 300 percent in some areas. With the ground this saturated, the potential for winds to knock over trees is high, and flooding is likely as the ground cannot absorb any more water.

 Category 4 winds have the ability to severely damage even well-built frame homes, with loss to much of the roof and some exterior walls. The winds may topple or snap trees, and blow down signs. Flat terrain that is less than ten feet above sea level may be flooded as far as six miles inland. Roads may be cut off three to five hours before the storm hits.

 An issue that occurs with any large storm is the availability of adjusters to handle related claims. Florence is expected to cause extensive damage in multiple states. Many states require adjusters to be licensed, which poses a problem; how is a carrier to send in extra adjusters when those adjusters are not licensed in the states in need? Most states have specific statutes for just such occasions; often out of state adjusters will be allowed to handle losses during a catastrophe if they have a license in their home state and remain in the state only long enough to handle the necessary claims. South Carolina has already issued a bulletin to that effect effective today and it will be in force for the next 120 days unless it is extended by the insurance department. See Adjuster Licensing Requirements for CAT Duty 2018.

 States may also lift restrictions on prescription medication refills. Maryland has temporarily lifted restrictions on when prescriptions may be refilled and replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, as well as eyeglasses and dentures. The ability to fill prescriptions makes it easier for people to evacuate areas if it comes to that; they can leave with the medications they need. Even if an evacuation is not called for, inland areas and roads may flood cutting people off from obtaining the necessary medications for a number of days. The state is recommending that people refill their medications before the storm comes in.