Florence Moves Out Of Northwest NC But Leaves Some Risks Behind

The Yadkin River began receding today after reaching a crest of more than 17 feet, Yadkin County officials say.

Storm-related threats across northwestern North Carolina appeared to be diminishing as the remnants from Florence continue to track northward.

Gov. Roy Cooper addressed the improving conditions in the mountains during a press conference Monday.

 “Things are looking better, as most of the rain has moved out, and the risk of rockslides and mudslides has decreased,” he said.

There are still some lingering threats, though. According to the National Weather Service, an additional inch or two of rain is expected in the mountain counties through the evening, which could lead to flash flooding.

Cooper urged residents who were evacuated from the hardest-hit areas to stay away because of closed roads and flooding.

"There's too much going on," he told a news conference.

Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate homes along rivers. The evacuation zone included part of the city of Fayetteville, population 200,000.

Victor Merlos was overjoyed to find a store open for business in Wilmington since he had about 20 relatives staying at his apartment, which still had power. He spent more than $500 on cereal, eggs, soft drinks and other necessities, plus beer.

"I have everything I need for my whole family," Merlos said. Nearby, a Waffle House restaurant limited breakfast customers to one biscuit and one drink, all takeout, with the price of $2 per item.

Julie Lamb, with her 15-month-old twins, stepped off a Coast Guard boat after being rescued from her parents' house, where the yard was submerged and water was still rising in Lumberton. Another boat was going back to get her husband, 4-year-old daughter and their pug dog.

"We decided to stay with mom and dad here. During (Hurricane) Matthew the water never reached their house," she said. "But the water keeps coming up in their yard."

Near the flooded-out town of New Bern, where about 455 people had to be rescued from the swirling flood waters, water completely surrounded churches, businesses and homes. In the neighboring town of Trenton, downtown streets were turned to creeks full of brown water.