More than 180,000 without electricity while Hurricane Florence hits the North Carolina coast



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Hurricane Florence, whose tropical storm winds extend over nearly 200 miles, began hitting the Carolina coast Thursday night as authorities issued last-minute calls for locals to evacuate. The fall is expected later today.

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– Hurricane force winds struck portions of the North Carolina coast, as water levels rose along the coast and the threat of tornadoes increased further inland .

– The storm surge should worsen at high tide in the Atlantic Ocean.

PHOTO: The map shows the projected trajectory of hurricane Florence at 11 am on September 13, 2018. (ABC News)

– Around 2 am local time, the storm was moving from west to northwest at 6 mph with winds at about 90 mph. Late Thursday, Florence was about 50 miles south of Morehead City, North Carolina, and 60 miles east-southeast of Wilmington. Earlier, an observation site at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Cape Lookout, North Carolina, reported sustained winds of 83 mph and a gust of 106 mph.

– Although the storm, once a category 4, was downgraded Thursday night into a category 1 category 2, the danger is real. Parts of North Carolina can see up to 40 inches of rain and storm surges can reach 13 feet.

(PLUS: Hurricane Florence Approaching the South East Coast: Tips to Keep in Mind if Evacuating)

"The floods and the storm surge – these are the two main factors that kill people, and this storm does not give up," said Thursday the governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper.

(PLUS: How to help people affected by Hurricane Florence)

The storm will slow down very slowly Friday and Saturday, prolonging the destructive winds and huge amounts of rain that will hit the same areas of North and South Carolina for 24 hours.

– Strong winds and floods could cause power outages for days or more, officials said. More than 180,000 customers were already without power in North Carolina on Thursday night – and that number is expected to increase.

(PLUS: the hurricane course Florence: what to expect and when)

(PLUS: A couple offers shelter to Hurricane Florence evacuated 1 year after hosting 26 fleeing Irma)

"Do not risk your life"

Florence provoked massive evacuations.

For those who are in an evacuation zone, "there is still time to go out," Cooper said Thursday. "Do not risk your life by avoiding a monster storm."

PHOTO: Marge Brown, 65, bids farewell to 90-year-old father, George Brown, before being evacuated from a health facility in Morehead City, NB on September 12, 2018, when hurricane Florence is approaching the east coast. (David Goldman / AP)

"You potentially risk the life of a first responder who would try to help you, and we do not need it," he added. "I know it's hard to move, and I know you leave behind things you do not want to leave behind, but no possession is worth your life."

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster added, "Time is running out, now is the time to go because this opportunity is closing very quickly."

(PHOTOS: Hurricane Florence looms on the East Coast)

Ignore evacuation calls

But everyone did not pack their bags.

Kelly Salisbury said she was staying in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, although most of the city is gone.

(PLUS: Hurricane Florence: Patients at NC Nursing Centers survive the storm despite warnings: "It would be difficult for us to move them")

(PLUS: Inmates of South Carolina Prison in the evacuation zone are not moved before Hurricane Florence)

"We're on vacation and we have a week off and we went down from northern Virginia to have fun," she told ABC News. "Play in the water, enjoy the sun, until we can not see what happens."

She continued, "Of course, we are worried, but we watch the news every day, we follow it, see where it's going to hit and what category it is in. And if we feel the need to leave, I'll go there. go, but we will stay as long as possible. "

PHOTO: Sandbags surround the homes of North Topsail Beach, NB on September 12, 2018, as Hurricane Florence threatens the coast. (Chuck Burton / AP)

On Thursday night, authorities in the city of Jacksonville, North Carolina, released photos of an overturned gas pump and a fallen tree after wind gusts exceeded 80 mph, warning residents to stay indoors. Downstream power lines have also been reported in the area.

(PLUS: Hurricane Florence causes a dangerous storm surge: what you need to know)

In Awendaw, South Carolina, Chris Johnson said he was staying behind to watch his house while his wife, Michele, was evacuating.

"I'm not sure I can go out in the middle of the storm on a 12-foot ladder to replace a window, but I could be inside and try to do something … or if the fridge goes out. .. I can take care of it all, "said Chris Johnson at ABC News.

Michele Johnson said she's worried about her husband, but "I think he's okay with me, so I'm not stressing him anymore." It's probably good for our wedding. "

Adding Chris: "I think with what we know now [with the storm track] it's the best decision for us. I think it's an excellent compromise. I'm glad we both made the decision ourselves. Let's hope that the cell tower, which is not too far away, will still work. We can stay in contact."

PHOTO: A heavy rain cloud passes the day before the arrival of Hurricane Florence in Wilmington, NS, on September 12, 2018. (Andrew Caballero / AFP / Getty Images)

The County of South Carolina including Myrtle Beach imposed a curfew at 7 o'clock.

A flash flood hits Hawaii

Meanwhile, across the country, Tropical Depression Olivia brings rain and floods to Hawaii.

Rainstorms of about 1 inch per hour were recorded in Puna and South Hilo.

PHOTO: A house on the Kahekili Highway, near the Waihee River Bridge, was evacuated after a flash flood that erupted in the property on September 12, 2018, in Maui, Hawaii. (Cindy Ellen Russell / Honolulu Star-Announcer / AP)

PHOTO: Water floods parking at a condo complex near Kahana Village in Lahaina, Hawaii on September 12, 2018. (Lauren Greer / AP)

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