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Despite Mandatory Evacuations, Some Stay On Coast Ahead Of Florence

Image courtesy: National Hurricane Center

Local and state government officials have issued mandatory evacuations for coastal residents ahead of Hurricane Florence. But that doesn't mean everyone has cleared out.

Some will stay to ride out the storm. One of them is Kitty Hawk resident, Marissa Burton.

On Tuesday, Burton could be found working at The Christmas Mouse, a popular destination for holiday decorations, moving merchandise to the second floor in case of flooding.

She says most businesses, including grocery stores, have already closed. Some pharmacies are still open.

Burton says her own home is situated on one of the highest points on the Outer Banks, so she's not concerned about flooding.

“There's always the chance of wind damage," she says. "But the house has been through several storms and hasn't suffered any damage, you know, there's always a first time, so that's a chance you take. But the people who live here are hardy stock and most everybody who's a resident is staying.”

Burton is taking precautions to secure her home and has stocked up on storm essentials.

Hurricane Florence is currently a Category 4 storm and is expected to make landfall Thursday. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has called it a “dangerous, life-threatening, historic Hurricane.”   

 

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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