The National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Florence has dropped from a category 4 hurricane down to a category 3, but officials are warning this is no reason for those in the area to let down their guard. The latest advisory says, “Florence’s peak winds have decreased slightly but the size of the wind field has increased.” Computer models also show Hurricane Florence tracking further south than expected, putting North Carolina, South Carolina and now even Georgia in the path. South Carolina’s Post and Courier writes:

Computer model runs on Wednesday began to converge on the prospect of the storm stalling at or near landfall and drifting down along the South Carolina coastline as far as Charleston or Savannah, Georgia over the weekend — maybe as still a hurricane.

“It’s gonna be a lousy weekend here,” Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said Wednesday. He urged people to get out of Charleston.

Meteorologist Bob Henson, of the private company Weather Underground, called the forecast prospect “outlandish-seeming,” but cautioned residents of both states to prepare for a siege.

Georgia’s Governor Office adds:

Based on the latest 11 a.m. forecast for Hurricane Florence and acting on a recommendation from Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) officials, Gov. Nathan Deal today issued an emergency declaration for all 159 counties in Georgia.

“The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety ahead of Hurricane Florence,” said Deal. “In light of the storm’s forecasted southward track after making landfall, I encourage Georgians to be prepared for the inland effects of the storm as well as the ensuing storm surge in coastal areas. GEMA/HS continues to lead our preparedness efforts as we coordinate with federal, state and local officials to provide public shelter and accommodate those evacuating from other states. Finally, I ask all Georgians to join me in praying for the safety of our people and all those in the path of Hurricane Florence.”

One of the biggest threats to the Carolinas is the rainfall. The National Weather Service sent out this warning:

#HurricaneFlorence is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 20 to 30 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 40 inches. These numbers are hard to comprehend, but based on past experience, this amount of rain produces life-threatening, catastrophic flooding.

Residents in evacuation areas are being alerted that the situation is dire. Some people are being told they have to evacuate today or their routes out may be closed.

Read the full 2 pm update here.