GUN nuts in the US state of Virginia have been warned not to fire their weapons at Hurricane Florence.

The warning came after a Facebook event called "shooting guns at Hurricane Florence to scare it away" went viral.

12 An event calling for residents to fire their guns at Hurricane Florence has gone viral Credit: AP:Associated Press

Although started by an online prankster, the event has received an overwhelming response and is due to begin later today and last for 24 hours.

The event, hosted by Ryan Stumpf, has now had over 22,000 people “going”, and over 55,000 people “interested”.

But the enthusiastic response to the event left organisers worried that it might not be taken as a joke.

The details state: "Get your guns and your umbrellas. And your umbrella-guns, and your beer, and your beer-guns, and your tiny umbrellas to keep your beer dry, and join people from all along the East Coast in scaring away Hurricane Florence to protect our country from this foreign invader!

"Note: do not actually discharge firearms into the air. You could kill someone and you cannot frighten a hurricane. I can’t believe I actually have to write this."

12 The event was made as a joke which managed to dupe cops

12 Shoppers in South Carolina stock up on supplies as Hurricane Florence approaches Credit: AP:Associated Press

12 Americans buy supplies at The Home Depot before the hurricane hits Credit: AP:Associated Press

12 Home Depot employee prepares more generators for sale Credit: AP:Associated Press

12 Shoppers stock up on home supplies ahead of Hurricane Florence's arrival Credit: AP:Associated Press

The event has echoes of a similar instance during Hurricane Irma last year which actually prompted police to issue a warning.

This Facebook event was made by "patriots" and said its purpose was to shoot their guns at the hurricane to scare it away.

The responses went viral, with 26,000 people clicking "attend", and 45,000 clicking "interested".

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office took to Twitter, urging people not to go out and shoot the storm: “To clarify, DO NOT shoot weapons @ #Irma. You won't make it turn around & it will have very dangerous side effects.”

12 This was the warning issued by cops last year after a similar event was created for Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Florence is currently powering its way towards the East Coast, with more than a million people facing evacuation.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to start hitting the coasts from Wednesday night.

The hurricane could potentially bring trouble for the UK, as it continues to strengthen over the Atlantic basin - but forecasters can't determine yet if it will be a direct strike.

It is expected to be upgraded to a Category 5 storm later today, bringing with it winds exceeding 140mph.

The US Navy has ordered 30 ships, including aircraft carriers and submarines, to take to the seas as the hurricane approaches.

The move was seen as a precautionary measure as navy ships survive better in rough seas rather than being moored in port as waves could damage them against piers.

12 Customers line up to buy propane at Socastee Hardware store in South Carolina Credit: 2018

12 Home Depot employees load generators for sale Credit: AP:Associated Press

The storm's first effects were already being felt on barrier islands as dangerous rip currents hit beaches and seawater flowed over a state highway.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump tweeted saying the government is on stand-by.

He said: “Just had calls with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam regarding the incoming storm. Federal Government stands by, ready to assist 24/7.”

The state's emergency management agency said it is "preparing for the possibility of a large-scale disaster."

In Charleston, South Carolina, along the coast, city officials offered sandbags to residents.

Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune urged people to secure their homes but said it's too early to know if evacuations will be ordered.

Hardware stores and supermarkets were busy ringing up sales of bottled water, plywood and generators.

12 South Carolina National Guard soldiers transfer bulk diesel into fuel tanker trucks for distribution in advance of the hurricane Credit: Reuters

12 Hurricane Florence is due to bring large amounts of rain to the surrounding areas of Washington, DC Credit: Instar Images

12 Washington, DC received up to 3 inches of rain before Hurricane Florence Credit: Instar Images

MOST READ IN NEWS LEBRON HITS BACK LeBron says he 'never condoned' anti-cop violence after Candace slams him STOP THE SPREAD NHS Covid-19 track and trace app explained 'PRAY' FOR COPS Trump 'praying' for two shot Louisville cops as Breonna unrest spreads Breaking FATAL COP CHASE SMASH 2 men dead and 2 women and man injured in police chase in Manchester Live Blog OUT OF IT 'Two YEAR' implementation even if last-minute Brexit deal struck before deadline Live Blog BIG CHILL Arctic FREEZE brings torrential rain as Met Office warns of temperature plunge

President Donald Trump tweeted this morning: "Please be prepared, be careful and be SAFE!"

The devastation brought by Florence is expected to be worse than when Hurricane Hazel struck in 1954 when 19 people lost their lives and 15,000 buildings were destroyed.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.