RALEIGH – The last of the good weather on the North Carolina coast was expended Wednesday, as Thursday morning brought stormy conditions with the approach of Hurricane Florence.
Gov. Roy Cooper held a press conference Thursday morning from the N.C. Emergency Management Center, warning residents, “Don’t relax. Don’t get complacent.”
From the Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast, down to the Wilmington area, storm surge and flooding from excessive rain are likely to be the biggest threats. Several areas in Carteret County, for example, are facing surges of more than 10 feet.
A storm tracker can be accessed here for the latest on the Florence’s path.
While wind speeds around the eye have diminished slightly, those winds are now extending their reach out from the center of the storm. Hurricane experts have also noted a possibility that the storm strengthens a bit more before tomorrow.
Governor Cooper activated the N.C. National Guard Wednesday to assist in rescue efforts. Also, a good Samaritan group named the “Cajun Navy” has sent more than 1,000 people here to help with search and rescue efforts after the storm.
For a ringside seat to the action, live cams are still operational at the moment for several surf report sites, making for good viewing of the massive waves currently battering the coast. You can access a live shot of Atlantic Beach here.
We are hoping for the best, and also hope coastal residents prepared for the worst.
Stay tuned.
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