MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — There are roughly 250 guardsmen from out-of-state and about 100 guardsmen in the state at Morrisville Aviation waiting to be deployed to different missions. As of Tuesday night, the National Guard completed 190 missions and 225 rescues, which included five animal rescues. They have been non-stop since Sunday, flying over flooded areas looking for people in distress, surveying damage and taking supplies. The team picks up the supplies in Wilmington and…

A mystery has emerged in the telling of how the Outer Banks’ wild horses survived Hurricane Florence. Instincts dating back five centuries compel the feral mustangs to either huddle on high ground — butts to the wind — or seek refuge in the maritime forest during storms, say experts. But news has come of a Shackleford Banks horse named Merlin who was fenced in an “inundated” quarantine site during the storm, according the Foundation for…

ERWIN, N.C. (WTVD) — The Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC will take their mobile pantry to Erwin on Thursday to team up with Grace Chapel Church to give away food to those impacted by Hurricane Florence. Pantry employees are planning to serve hundreds of people once they arrive in Harnett County. The event will take place in the Walmart parking lot in Erwin off Jackson Blvd. ‘This is what community looks like’: NC…

By Luke Notestine, WRAL reporter In Seven Springs, residents already reeling from Hurricane Matthew got a double whammy when Florence again flooded their community. “Matthew was catastrophic. Floyd was disaster. Now this is devastating,” said Chuck Stancil. He’s been a firefighter for the past 23 years, and he’s seen a lot of storms. “This is going to be devastating for Seven Springs, depending on how many people come back and whether this town will stay,”…

AT&T said Wednesday that it is deploying satellite COLTs, COWS (cell tower on wheels) and assistance in the field as quickly and safely as conditions allow to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. Downloading the ABC11 app is the best way to stay up-to-date on the latest conditions from Hurricane Florence. In addition to the efforts in coastal areas, AT&T has charging stations at various shelters throughout the state, including at the Friday Center on…

More help is on the way for Carolinas residents affected by Hurricane Florence. Denny’s announced Wednesday that its Mobile Relief Diner is heading to the Carolinas. The “53-foot mobile kitchen will travel to areas impacted to serve free meals to those in need,” the national diner chain said in a news release. According to Denny’s, the truck will “serve freshly-cooked pancakes and bacon, along with coffee and other refreshments to local residents, first responders and…

As some rivers around the state crest and begin to slowly recede, officials warn the danger is far from over and are urging frustrated evacuees not to return home just yet. In some good news, the Town of Topsail Beach announced it will be open to property owners and residents ONLY on Thursday beginning at 9 a.m. The only access will be through the swing bridge in Surf City. People must have proof of residency….

By Kasey Cunningham, WRAL reporter Southport, N.C. — Beach towns are slowly reopening to residents, but most are still closed to tourists following Hurricane Florence. Some roads in Brunswick County are completely washed out, including Bethel Road, which is the only way in and out for Southport residents. A path carved out in the brush, built with a few wood planks, is now the only available route. For the first time since Florence ravaged the…