The garage is outfitted with half a century of collections, from street signs to fishing gear. (Source: WECT) CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – More than half of the residents in Carolina Beach have evacuated the island to seek refuge from the impacts of Hurricane Florence, but there are still some people who decided to stay behind. Johnny and Robin Arnette have lived in Carolina Beach for more than four decades and have decided to ride out…

Officials began shutting down the nuclear power plant Thursday as Hurricane Florence approaches (Source: Duke Energy) SOUTHPORT, NC (WECT) – The Brunswick Nuclear Plant, located four miles from the coast in Southport, is being shut down as Hurricane Florence moves onshore. Duke Energy said in a press release Thursday that the two units on the site are systematically being shut down by plant staff. “We remain in constant communications with local, state and federal officials…

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – New Hanover County Emergency Management updated the on the latest on Hurricane Florence at an 11:45 briefing Thursday morning. County Commission Chair Woody White, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, Wrightsville Beach Mayor Bill Blair and NHCEM director Steven Still briefed members of the local and national media about the last-minute preparations underway and the condition of the county’s shelters. As of the briefing, 515 people were in the five shelters…

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Don’t let your guard down despite Hurricane Florence weakening as the storm approaches the coast. That’s the message Commissioner Frank Williams had for residents Thursday morning. “Don’t be deceived by the fact that this is now a category two storm,” Williams explained in a video posted to Brunswick County Emergency Service’s Facebook page. “While the intensity may have technically gone down, the wind field is expanded, it’s still going to bring…

Hours before Hurricane Florence made landfall, Carolina Beach was feeling its effects Thursday. (Source: WECT) CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – Hours before Hurricane Florence made landfall, Carolina Beach was feeling its effects Thursday. Shortly before noon, WECT’s Colin Hackman gave viewers a look at the surf. Huge waves could already be seen hitting the beach. “Already I’d say eight-to-10-foot seas,” WECT’s Colin Hackman said shortly before noon. “Some of these waves look like they would be fun…