maryland and washington, d.c. south carolina police are reversing the highway traffic to make it easier for people to get out of harm's way. >> all we know is it is coming, it is even stronger than hurricane hugo. once it gets on the ground, the velocity will be more but it will be crawling across the ground, which means more and more rain. >> reporter: some are waiting it out, taking the risk of a last-minute evacuation, especially in areas like myrtle beach where there is no major highway access. for those staying and stocking up, long delays at gas stations and home improvement stores, like at this home depot in wilmington, north carolina where there's a 90-minute wait for plywood. from hilton head, south carolina to norfolk, virginia, hundreds of miles of coastline have been evacuated ahead of what is expected to be a devastating hurricane. jim. >> listen to the warning, we hear it from everyone. nick valencia, thanks very much. tonight president trump is trying to reassure americans in the path of hurricane florence he is looking out for his