North Carolina News

Hurricane Florence could drop more than 20 inches of rain in places, bring 12-foot storm surge 11 p.m. update: Hurricane Florence continues to churn toward the U.S. mainland with potentially highly destructive winds and enough rain to thoroughly drench and possibly flood much of Eastern North Carolina. But perhaps the most dangerous part of the storm is its future speed. “Florence is expected to slow down considerably by late Thursday into Friday,” stated the 11…

(Source: WECT) SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WECT) – They’re experts in dealing with natural disasters like hurricanes and they work alongside our first responders. Members of Strategic Response Partners arrived in Wilmington on Tuesday to talk about their work before, during and after Hurricane Florence.  The SRP team is going to businesses, like hospitals and nursing homes, and making sure those buildings are secure once the storm hits. Then they help first responders in assisting victims….

Officials stress folks to evacuate because lives are much more important than property — or tempting Mother Nature SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Homes destroyed. Entire streets under water. Power outages through next week. Monster waves crashing ashore. And the overarching message from the experts: Hurricane Florence could be deadly. You can replace things, including your house, they said. You can’t replace people. “Right now, it’s time to get out of harm’s way,” said Tom Collins, emergency management…

Wrightsville Beach saw a handful of surfers early Tuesday take advantage of Hurricane Florence’s influence WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH – Brendon Jacobsen beat the sun to the beach Tuesday morning. The local surfer had his board in the waters off Wrightsville Beach before 6 a.m., just as the sun started peaking on the horizon. This, he said, was the magic hour for catching the waves churned up by Hurricane Florence, still hundreds of miles off the coast….

SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WECT) – The National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning Tuesday morning for the entirety of the Carolina coast. Flood watchers have also been issued.  If you are inside the warning area, or a watch area you should put your preparation plan in place.  Here are some things you may need to know as Hurricane Florence approaches the Carolinas. State of Emergency and Evacuations Many areas along the coast have issued voluntary or even mandatory evacuations…

SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WECT) – Hurricane Florence made landfall on Wrightsville Beach at 7:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14. The storm was predicted to linger in southeast North Carolina for several days, causing severe weather and flooding. Here are some things you may need to know as Hurricane Florence continues its assault on the region. State of Emergency and Evacuations A mandatory evacuation order was issued Saturday, Sept. 15 in Bladen County for residents living north of…

NCDOT crews preparing for Hurricane Florence. (source: NCDOT) Transportation officials getting equipment and gear ready as the storm grows closer. (source: NCDOT) Wilmington DOT maintenance engineer explains how transportation crews are making sure the roads are safe before, during and after the hurricane. (source: NCDOT) WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Officials with several departments with the state are working to prepare for Hurricane Florence, including transportation officials. According to a press release from NCDOT, employees are readying…

New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), a level II trauma center hospital in Wilmington, NC, is transferring some patients as Hurricane Florence is set to strike. (Source: WECT) WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), a level II trauma center hospital in Wilmington, is transferring some patients as Hurricane Florence is set to strike. Patients are being transferred for their safety and to make sure there is enough staff working during the storm, said…

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Having a baby is stressful enough, but having a baby during a hurricane? For most, it is unthinkable.  Paige Seitter, a Wilmington mother-to-be, is not due until Sept. 18, but she will be induced Tuesday morning ahead of Hurricane Florence.  Due to various medical conditions, Seitter and her team of doctors at New Hanover Regional Medical Center decided this was the best course of action.  A spokesperson for NHRMC said these…

How to prepare before the storm hits:  Necessities Water. One gallon per person, per day — prepare for a minimum of three days. Battery-operated television or radio. Extra batteries Manual can opener Local maps Flashlights and waterproof matches Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Toilet paper Baby supplies Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm) Rain gear/hat Bleach or water-purification tablets Soap and detergent Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for…

Days before the storm  EQUIPMENT: Board up windows and glass doors, anchor loose yard objects or bring them inside and lock your doors. YOUR STUFF: Move furniture away from exposed doors and windows. Cover furniture, computers and electronics with plastic. Take photographs of your items in case you have to file a damage claim after the storm. YOUR LOCATION: Evacuate if told to do so. Map out your route using roads specified by local authorities….

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Dangerous Hurricane Florence will produce major to devastating rain, wind, and surge impacts across the Cape Fear Region. Please continue to expend your energy not on anxiety, but positive action for the duration of the storm and beyond. National Weather Service-issued Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings remain in place for New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties until further notice.  A Hurricane Warning also remains in place for Bladen and Columbus counties until further…