Governor Roy Cooper says more people now face imminent threat than when Florence, now a tropical storm, was offshore.
He offered a few warnings at a press conference on Saturday, urging those who have evacuated to stay put, and don't drive on standing or moving water, as levels are rising fast.
He says residents of the Southern Piedmont and mountains may see rivers rise even after the rain stops.
“Heavy rain is predicted still," Gov. Cooper says. "Fayetteville, west to Charlotte, and the mountains - expect flooding, and potential landslides, beginning tonight and continuing into Monday. Some of the areas will be impacted that have rarely experienced any flooding.”
As of Saturday morning, at least 5 deaths have been reported associated with Florence, and several others are currently under investigation.