Fran Closely Resembles Hugo

Unfortunately, Hurricane Fran, also likely heading toward Charleston, strongly resembles her 1989 predecessor, bringing to mind such things as sustained winds of over 130 mph and a 20 foot storm tide, the highest ever recorded on the east coast.

And it wasn't just South Carolina that took a beating from Hugo. North Carolina's coast was also hard hit, and hurricane force winds were felt as far inland as Charlotte.

Those who should know say that, not only is Fran looking a lot like Hugo, she's following a similar track.

Martin Chriscoe (below, left) of Wake County Emergency Management says he was working for Gaston County Emergency Management near Charlotte when Hugo blew through. He remembers the downed trees and power lines, and Hugo's eye passing within a mile of his house.

Ditt says the Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 9 p.m. Wednesday along with the State Emergency Response Team.