Florence death toll climbs to 37; Trump visits stricken area

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By CHUCK BURTON and MARTHA WAGGONER Associated Press

WILMINGTON, N.C.

The death toll from Hurricane Florence climbed to at least 37, including two mental health patients who drowned when a sheriff’s van was swept away by floodwaters, and North Carolina’s governor pleaded with thousands of evacuees not to return home just yet.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, arrived in storm-ravaged North Carolina on Wednesday, visiting a church in the hard-hit coastal of town New Bern where volunteers have been handing out food to storm victims.

Wilmington, population 120,000, was still mostly an island surrounded by floodwaters, and people waited for hours Tuesday for handouts of food, water and tarps. Thousands of others around the state waited in shelters for the all-clear.

“I know it was hard to leave home, and it is even harder to wait and wonder whether you even have a home to go back to,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.

After submerging North Carolina with nearly 3 feet (1 meter) of rain, the storm dumped more than 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) of rain in the Northeast, where it caused flash flooding.

Cooper warned that the flooding is far from over and will get worse in places.

“I know for many people this feels like a nightmare that just won’t end,” he said.

Addressing roughly 10,000 people who remain in shelters and “countless more” staying elsewhere, Cooper urged them to stay put for now, particularly those from the hardest-hit coastal counties that include Wilmington, near where Florence blew ashore on Friday.

Roads remain treacherous, he said, and some are still being closed for the first time as rivers swelled by torrential rains inland drain toward the Atlantic.

At least 27 of the deaths happened in North Carolina.

In South Carolina, two women died on Tuesday evening after a van taking the mental health patients from one facility to another was overtaken by rising floodwaters near the Little Pee Dee River, authorities said.

The risk of environmental damage mounted, as human and animal waste was washed into the swirling floodwaters.

More than 5 million gallons (18 million liters) of partially treated sewage spilled into the Cape Fear River after power went out at a treatment plant, officials said, and the earthen dam of a pond holding hog waste was breached, spilling its contents. The flooding killed an estimated 3.4 million chickens and 5,500 hogs on farms.

In Wilmington on Tuesday, workers began handing out supplies using a system resembling a giant fast-food drive-thru: Drivers pulled up to a line of pallets, placed an order and left without having to get out. A woman blew a whistle each time drivers had to pull forward.

Todd Tremain needed tarps to cover up spots where Florence’s winds ripped shingles off his roof. Others got a case of bottled water or military MREs, or field rations. An olive-drab military forklift moved around huge pallets loaded with supplies.

Brandon Echavarrieta struggled to stay composed as he described life post-Florence: no power for days, rotted meat in the freezer, no water or food and just one bath in a week.

“It’s been pretty bad,” said Echavarrieta, 34, his voice breaking.

About 3,500 vehicles came through for supplies on the first day they were available, county officials said in a Facebook post.

Supplies have been brought into the city by big military trucks and helicopters,

At Fayetteville, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) inland, near the Army’s sprawling Fort Bragg, flooding from Cape Fear River got so bad that authorities closed a vehicle bridge after the water began touching girders supporting the span’s top deck.

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said it was unclear if the bridge was threatened.

“We’ve never had it at those levels before, so we don’t really know what the impact will be just yet,” he said.

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Waggoner reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. AP photographer Gerry Broome in Lumberton, North Carolina; Gary Robertson in Raleigh; Alex Derosier in Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Jay Reeves in Atlanta contributed to this report.

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Follow Martha Waggoner on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mjwaggonernc

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For the latest on Hurricane Florence, visit https://www.apnews.com/tag/Hurricanes








FILE- In this Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, file photo flooded vehicles sit on a closed section of Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C., where the Lumber river overflowed following flooding from Hurricane Florence. Navigation apps like Waze are trying to help motorists avoid hurricane flooding, but local authorities say people shouldn’t rely on them.

FILE- In this Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, file photo flooded vehicles sit on a closed section of Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C., where the Lumber river overflowed following flooding from Hurricane Florence. Navigation apps like Waze are trying to help motorists avoid hurricane flooding, but local authorities say people shouldn’t rely on them.

Gerry Broome, File

AP Photo








Willie Schubert of Pollocksville, N.C., right, shakes the hand of U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Samuel Knoeppel, left, as flight mechanic, David Franklin, second from left, and swimmer Randy Haba, second from right, stow their gear after Schubert was rescued off a stranded van in Pollocksville on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Willie Schubert of Pollocksville, N.C., right, shakes the hand of U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Samuel Knoeppel, left, as flight mechanic, David Franklin, second from left, and swimmer Randy Haba, second from right, stow their gear after Schubert was rescued off a stranded van in Pollocksville on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Steve Helber

AP Photo








A tow truck splashes through standing water along a closed section of Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 following flooding from Hurricane Florence.

A tow truck splashes through standing water along a closed section of Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 following flooding from Hurricane Florence.

Gerry Broome

AP Photo








U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Samuel Knoeppel, center, and Randy Haba, right, approach Willie Schubert of Pollocksville, N.C., on a stranded van in Pollocksville on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Samuel Knoeppel, center, and Randy Haba, right, approach Willie Schubert of Pollocksville, N.C., on a stranded van in Pollocksville on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Steve Helber

AP Photo








Water rushes just underneath a bridge in Lumberton, N.C., in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Water rushes just underneath a bridge in Lumberton, N.C., in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Gerald Herbert

AP Photo








A National Guard vehicle drives past a truck washed off the roadway from floodwaters in Dillon, S.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

A National Guard vehicle drives past a truck washed off the roadway from floodwaters in Dillon, S.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Gerald Herbert

AP Photo








Tombstones sit submerged in floodwaters from Hurricane Florence, in a cemetery in Marion, S.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Tombstones sit submerged in floodwaters from Hurricane Florence, in a cemetery in Marion, S.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Gerald Herbert

AP Photo








Willie Delong, of Holly Ridge, N.C., fills gas cans at a convenience store in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Delong traveled over an hour to get gas for generators for three families.

Willie Delong, of Holly Ridge, N.C., fills gas cans at a convenience store in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Delong traveled over an hour to get gas for generators for three families.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








Homes and a power station are surrounded by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Newport, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Homes and a power station are surrounded by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Newport, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Tom Copeland

AP Photo








Floodwaters surround homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Newport, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Floodwaters surround homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Newport, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

Tom Copeland

AP Photo








Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Shallow Water Rescue Team check on a flooded neighborhood in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Shallow Water Rescue Team check on a flooded neighborhood in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Gerry Broome

AP Photo








Residents walk through a flooded neighborhood in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Residents walk through a flooded neighborhood in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Gerry Broome

AP Photo








Floodwaters inundate a church after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C.

Floodwaters inundate a church after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C.

Sean Rayford

AP Photo








People use a road as a boat ramp after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C. Many rivers in the Carolinas are approaching record flood stages and their levels will continue to rise through the week.

People use a road as a boat ramp after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C. Many rivers in the Carolinas are approaching record flood stages and their levels will continue to rise through the week.

Sean Rayford

AP Photo








Floodwaters inundate homes after Florence struck the Carolinas, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C.

Floodwaters inundate homes after Florence struck the Carolinas, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C.

Sean Rayford

AP Photo








A couple walks with their daughter after checking on their flooded home in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Spring Lake, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

A couple walks with their daughter after checking on their flooded home in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Spring Lake, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








From left, Mike Haddock, 48, Katlyn Humphrey, 19, Michelle Haddock, 45, and Justin Humphrey, 24, remove possessions from the Haddock’s flooded home using a jon boat Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 in Trenton, N.C. following Hurricane Florence.

From left, Mike Haddock, 48, Katlyn Humphrey, 19, Michelle Haddock, 45, and Justin Humphrey, 24, remove possessions from the Haddock’s flooded home using a jon boat Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 in Trenton, N.C. following Hurricane Florence.

The News & Observer via AP

Travis Long








South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, right, and National Guard Lt. Col. Jay McElveen give thumbs-up to rescue workers after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, near Wallace, S.C. A fire rescue team saved two people stuck on the roof of a vehicle in floodwaters caused by the storm.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, right, and National Guard Lt. Col. Jay McElveen give thumbs-up to rescue workers after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, near Wallace, S.C. A fire rescue team saved two people stuck on the roof of a vehicle in floodwaters caused by the storm.

Sean Rayford

AP Photo








A resident surveys a road inundated by water in Lumberton, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, following flooding from Hurricane Florence.

A resident surveys a road inundated by water in Lumberton, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, following flooding from Hurricane Florence.

Gerry Broome

AP Photo








Ashley Miller looks at photos she has taken of the fallen tree across Rolanda Drive after an apparent tornado touched down in Henrico County, Va., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Virginia Department of Emergency Management spokesman Jeff Caldwell said his agency considers the storms part of Hurricane Florence, and the tornado still need to be confirmed by the National Weather Service.

Ashley Miller looks at photos she has taken of the fallen tree across Rolanda Drive after an apparent tornado touched down in Henrico County, Va., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Virginia Department of Emergency Management spokesman Jeff Caldwell said his agency considers the storms part of Hurricane Florence, and the tornado still need to be confirmed by the National Weather Service.

Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP

Alexa Welch Edlund








A fallen tree covers the ground after an apparent tornado touched down in Henrico County, Va., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Virginia Department of Emergency Management spokesman Jeff Caldwell said his agency considers the storms part of Hurricane Florence, and said the tornado still need to be confirmed by the National Weather Service.

A fallen tree covers the ground after an apparent tornado touched down in Henrico County, Va., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. Virginia Department of Emergency Management spokesman Jeff Caldwell said his agency considers the storms part of Hurricane Florence, and said the tornado still need to be confirmed by the National Weather Service.

Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP

Alexa Welch Edlund








The Lumber River overflows onto a stretch Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, following flooding from Hurricane Florence.

The Lumber River overflows onto a stretch Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, following flooding from Hurricane Florence.

Gerry Broome

AP Photo








Russell Maloy walks over a railway bridge near his home to check the level of the Cape Fear River which has been rising in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Russell Maloy walks over a railway bridge near his home to check the level of the Cape Fear River which has been rising in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Catherine Riggs, holds her grandson Luke Humphrey as she listens to a briefing aboard a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in Burgaw , N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The family was rescued by the crew and taken to a shelter in Wilmington.

Catherine Riggs, holds her grandson Luke Humphrey as she listens to a briefing aboard a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in Burgaw , N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The family was rescued by the crew and taken to a shelter in Wilmington.

Steve Helber

AP Photo








A member of the Civil Air Patrol helps Jack Thompson, right, with a carton of MREs (Meals Ready To Eat) water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

A member of the Civil Air Patrol helps Jack Thompson, right, with a carton of MREs (Meals Ready To Eat) water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








People walk away after receiving MREs, (Meals Ready To Eat) water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

People walk away after receiving MREs, (Meals Ready To Eat) water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








People wait for a distribution area to open and hand out MREs, water and tarps in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

People wait for a distribution area to open and hand out MREs, water and tarps in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








Members of the Civil Air Patrol load cars with MREs, (Meals Ready To Eat) water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Members of the Civil Air Patrol load cars with MREs, (Meals Ready To Eat) water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








Members of the Civil Air Patrol load cars with MREs, water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Members of the Civil Air Patrol load cars with MREs, water and tarps at distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








Customers line up outside Rose Ice and Coal Co. to purchase bags of ice in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Customers line up outside Rose Ice and Coal Co. to purchase bags of ice in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








A member of the Civil Air Patrol brings in pallets of MREs and water to hand out at a distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

A member of the Civil Air Patrol brings in pallets of MREs and water to hand out at a distribution area in Wilmington, N.C. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








Kenny Babb retrieves a paddle that floated away on his flooded property as the Little River continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Linden, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Kenny Babb retrieves a paddle that floated away on his flooded property as the Little River continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Linden, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Blockade Runner Beach Resort concierge Rodney Vanek lays out rugs to dry in front of the hotel in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The hotel had water in some of the rooms from Hurricane Florence.

Blockade Runner Beach Resort concierge Rodney Vanek lays out rugs to dry in front of the hotel in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The hotel had water in some of the rooms from Hurricane Florence.

The Star-News via AP

Matt Born








Vehicles are backed up along N.C. Highway 301 while attempting to navigate to Lumberton, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 following flooding and road closures resulting from Hurricane Florence.

Vehicles are backed up along N.C. Highway 301 while attempting to navigate to Lumberton, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 following flooding and road closures resulting from Hurricane Florence.

Gerry Broome

AP Photo








Dianna Wood, embraces her husband Lynn, as they look out over their flooded property as the Little River continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Linden, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. “I’m still hopeful,” said Lynn about his home which currently has water up to the front step. “In another foot, I’ll be heartbroken,” he added.

Dianna Wood, embraces her husband Lynn, as they look out over their flooded property as the Little River continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Linden, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. “I’m still hopeful,” said Lynn about his home which currently has water up to the front step. “In another foot, I’ll be heartbroken,” he added.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Cars sit abandoned on a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Lillington, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Cars sit abandoned on a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Lillington, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Augustin Dieudomme looks out at the flooded entrance to his apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Augustin Dieudomme looks out at the flooded entrance to his apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Residents look out at the flooded entrance to an apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Residents look out at the flooded entrance to an apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








A motorist checks out a bridge that became passable as the Little River recedes in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

A motorist checks out a bridge that became passable as the Little River recedes in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Augustin Dieudomme walks by the flooded entrance to his apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Augustin Dieudomme walks by the flooded entrance to his apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








A car sits in a flooded parking lot at an apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

A car sits in a flooded parking lot at an apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Water flows out of a manhole cover into the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Water flows out of a manhole cover into the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Traffic cones sit submerged in a flooded street near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Traffic cones sit submerged in a flooded street near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Augustin Dieudomme looks out at the flooded entrance to his apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

Augustin Dieudomme looks out at the flooded entrance to his apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








This combination of photos shows the Cape Fear River on Sept. 16, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

This combination of photos shows the Cape Fear River on Sept. 16, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

David Goldman

AP Photos








Charles Gardner checks the level of the Cape Fear River near his property after its projected time of cresting in Fayetteville, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.

Charles Gardner checks the level of the Cape Fear River near his property after its projected time of cresting in Fayetteville, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








This combination of photos shows the Cape Fear River on Sept. 17, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

This combination of photos shows the Cape Fear River on Sept. 17, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

David Goldman

AP Photos








In this combination of photos, the Cape Fear River flows under the Grove Street bridge in the background on Sept. 16, 2018, left and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

In this combination of photos, the Cape Fear River flows under the Grove Street bridge in the background on Sept. 16, 2018, left and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

David Goldman

AP Photos








This Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 photo shows flood waters from Hurricane Florence surrounds two hog houses and it’s lagoon near Kinston, N.C.

This Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 photo shows flood waters from Hurricane Florence surrounds two hog houses and it’s lagoon near Kinston, N.C.

The News & Observer via AP

Casey Toth








This Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 photo shows flood waters from Hurricane Florence surrounds two hog houses and it’s lagoon near Kinston, N.C.

This Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 photo shows flood waters from Hurricane Florence surrounds two hog houses and it’s lagoon near Kinston, N.C.

The News & Observer via AP

Casey Toth








This Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 photo shows flood waters from Hurricane Florence surrounds two hog houses and it’s lagoon near Kinston, N.C.

This Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 photo shows flood waters from Hurricane Florence surrounds two hog houses and it’s lagoon near Kinston, N.C.

The News & Observer via AP

Casey Toth








Maine Johnson with the city’s communications department, takes photos of the Cape Fear River after its projected time of cresting in Fayetteville, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.

Maine Johnson with the city’s communications department, takes photos of the Cape Fear River after its projected time of cresting in Fayetteville, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.

David Goldman

AP Photo








Ralph Nixon drinks a cup of coffee as he takes a break from helping customers at Rose Ice & Coal purchase ice in Wilmington, N.C. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.

Ralph Nixon drinks a cup of coffee as he takes a break from helping customers at Rose Ice & Coal purchase ice in Wilmington, N.C. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.

Chuck Burton

AP Photo








In this combination of photos, Cape Fear River flows under the Person Street bridge on Sept. 15, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

In this combination of photos, Cape Fear River flows under the Person Street bridge on Sept. 15, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.

David Goldman

AP Photo








President Donald Trump visits the Temple Baptist Church, where food and other supplies are being distributed during Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, in New Bern, N.C.

President Donald Trump visits the Temple Baptist Church, where food and other supplies are being distributed during Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, in New Bern, N.C.

Evan Vucci

AP Photo