Florence coverage: Gov. Cooper says NC still in 'crisis' as floodwaters rise

“The crisis in North Carolina continues,” Governor Roy Cooper said during a news conference Monday. “Catastrophic flooding and tornadoes are still claiming lives and property. My most important message is first: For many parts of North Carolina, the danger is still immediate.”

ABC11 Together and the American Red Cross are teaming up on Tuesday, September 18, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a Hurricane Florence Relief Drive.

Cumberland County officials said Monday afternoon that as of 2:10 p.m. there had been 62 people, two dogs and two cats rescued throughout the county. Fifty-nine of the rescues were conducted in the county and three in the City of Fayetteville.

Downloading the ABC11 app is the best way to stay up-to-date on the latest conditions from Florence.

THE LATEST

The death toll has climbed to 23 storm-related deaths. Seventeen were in North Carolina and six were in South Carolina.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen said Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has 300 people on the ground and is ready to go into places such as Wilmington as soon as it is safe to do so.

Nielsen spoke Monday in Raleigh before surveying flood damage in Kinston.

Nielsen said she briefed President Donald Trump on Florence response and recovery efforts in the Carolinas on Monday morning. She said the president would arrive himself as soon as it was safe, so as to not disrupt any lifesaving operations.

She urged evacuees to stay where they are until local officials say the danger of more flooding has passed. She also warned people about the dangers of walking or driving in flooded areas

On Monday morning, one tornado touched down near Fremont, and another was confirmed on the ground north of Elm City near Sharpsburg.

Two tornados were confirmed in Wayne County.

In the first tornado near 939 Mount Carmel Church Road, one home sustained major damage, another had minor damage.

During the second tornado near William Court, only trees were damaged.

A school bus in Durham had to be rescued in the storm. All of the students are now safe.

A driver on a Durham Public Schools bus saw Mud Creek overflowing onto Pickett Road and tried to turn around. The bus then got stuck in a ditch.

RELATED: Durham Public Schools issues statement about opening on Monday

Hoke County Officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for the listed areas below because of the potential breach of the dam at McLaughlin Lake.

Overlake Dr, Shoreline Drive, Woods Ln, Eulon Loop, Pecan Trace Road, Lakeside Road, Country Walk Subdivisions – all roads, Zane Dr, Southern Oaks Rd, Bostic Rd, Bill Wright Rd, Lena Dr, Swift Creek Rd, Jody Ln, Myra Rd, Gully Branch Rd, Briar Hill Rd, Mumford Rd, Wildlife Ln, Camp Rockfish Rd, Arabia Rd (from Davis Bridge Rd to Sunset Lake Rd), Everitt Rd (from Arabia Rd to Creekside subdivision), Rockfish Rd (Camden Rd to Davis Bridge Rd), David Bridge Rd to County Line

Affected areas are those that will be impacted by the emptying of the McLaughlin Lake into the Gulley Branch, flowing into the Upchurch Pond. Fort Bragg and Coast Guard Units will be on scene to assist residents with the evacuation.

TRACKING FLORENCE
Florence was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday.

On Friday, after blowing ashore with 90 mph winds, Florence practically parked itself over land all day long and poured on the rain. With rivers rising toward record levels, thousands of people were ordered evacuated as the storm began to bring in historic flooding.

PHOTOS: Hurricane Florence, now a tropical depression, dumps days of rain on North Carolina

FLOODING

WATCH: Heavy flooding following Hurricane Florence creates extremely dangerous conditions

Here’s how to monitor potential flooding in your area.

The flooding after Hurricane Florence has reached historic levels in more than one part of the state. Morehead City broke the official record for most rainfall ever recorded in the state from a tropical system when 25.77 inches were recorded there. Wilmington, meanwhile, has already surpassed its annual rainfall total with three months to go.

Rivers have also reached historic levels. The Cape Fear River is expected to crest above levels brought by Hurricane Matthew.

Authorities advise not to go into the floodwaters as they could pose dangers, such as snakes, and health risks, such as sewage water.

RELATED: Flood safety information to know

RESCUE EFFORTS

A massive rescue effort is still underway. Crews said the conditions may only get worse as rain continues to fall.

First responders from local, state and federal agencies are helping those stranded by high water, and many more are standing by to be deployed.

ABC11’s Julie Wilson accompanied one team of volunteers and helped save a dog. Other cats and dogs were among the rescued.

HELPUL INFORMATION: EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT FLORENCE

Emergency information

911 or 211: Which should you call?

Stay up-to-date on power outages.

See the list of 120 shelters for Florence evacuees.

See the latest road closures around the state.

Around the Triangle

Several local school districts and universities are closed Monday and Tuesday. See the list.

Here’s what you need to know about trash pick-ups, curfews, bus schedules and more.

For victims

Find out how to get emergency federal assistance.

Here’s how to get mental health support after the storm.

How to help

Find out how you can help the victims.

See how Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is helping Florence evacuees.

The Cary VFW has been designated as a relief distribution point.

Finally, find full coverage of the storm here.