Hurricane Beryl Makes Landfall in North Carolina, Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

A powerful hurricane made landfall in North Carolina on Friday evening, bringing with it heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 storm, made landfall around 8pm local time just west of Cape Lookout, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm made landfall with sustained winds of 85mph and a central pressure of 984mb, according to reports from the National Weather Service. The storm’s impact was felt along the entire North Carolina coast, with reports of flooding, power outages, and damage to buildings and infrastructure.

“The storm surge from Hurricane Beryl is causing significant flooding along the coast, and we urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property,” said Governor Roy Cooper in a statement.

Residents in affected areas reported seeing widespread flooding, with waves crashing over seawalls and buildings. In some areas, floodwaters were reported to be as high as 5 feet.

The storm’s strong winds also caused widespread power outages, with Duke Energy reporting over 100,000 customers without electricity. The company said that it had deployed crews to the affected areas to work on restoring power, but that it could take several days to complete the work.

The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for inland areas of North Carolina, warning of the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds. The watch was in effect for several counties, including Wake, Durham, and Orange.

As the storm moves inland, it is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to inland areas. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued a warning about the risk of flooding and power outages, saying that people with disabilities or other health conditions may be at a higher risk for complications from the storm.

Relief efforts are under way, with officials deploying emergency responders and supplies to affected areas. The American Red Cross has also opened shelters for those displaced by the storm.

Hurricane Beryl is the earliest 1-hurricane to hit the United States, and it marks the start of an active hurricane season for the country. Residents along the Atlantic coast are being urged to pay attention to weather forecasts and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.

Stay Safe During Hurricane Beryl:

• Stay indoors and away from windows during the storm.
• Avoid traveling unless necessary.
• Keep important documents and valuables in a safe and dry place.
• Charge electronic devices and keep them close by.
• Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and have a plan for alternative transportation.
• Follow evacuation orders from local authorities.
• Stay informed through local news and weather reports.

Latest Updates:

• For the latest updates on Hurricane Beryl, visit the National Hurricane Center website at hurricanes.gov.
• For information on power outages, visit the Duke Energy website at duke-energy.com.
• For information on relief efforts, visit the American Red Cross website at redcross.org.