Officials with the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the state of North Carolina are advising people to stay out of coastal waters for the time being. Large amounts of polluted runoff are still flowing into coastal waterways all along areas of our coast that were hit by heavy rains from Hurricane Florence. Health officials and others are warning the public to stay out of the water until testing can be conducted to determine if it…

From the time we are old enough to feel the wind against our cheeks, we’re told how this invisible force shapes our world. A gentle breeze over time can reshape a dune as large as Jockey’s Ridge and a Category 5 hurricane could flatten it. I grew up on stories about wind. Hurricane Hazel, though I wasn’t born at the time, ripped up houses as far as two hours inland where we lived. My grandmother’s…

The U.S. flag that gained national attention as it was ripped to shreds on a live cam during Hurricane Florence is up for auction today and bids are already in the thousands. Images of the flag refusing to surrender to the storm’s wind gusts came to represent “who we are as America,” owner Richard Neal told McClatchy reporter Matt Martinez as Hurricane Florence approached the coast. Neal, a Charlottean, owns the Frying Pan Tower light…

Raleigh, N.C. — Friday marks two weeks since Hurricane Florence made landfall at Wrightsville Beach, but that community and many others are faced with a long road to recovery. That’s why Athens Drive High School is stepping up to help fellow students in need. The students have already collected supplies to donate to students in Duplin County, one of the areas hit hard by Florence. Twenty-eight students are behind the donation drive that has been…

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina — The North Carolina Coastal Federation is cautioning people to stay out of the ocean and intracoastal waters in and around Wrightsville Beach following Hurricane Florence. Water sample collected by the group earlier this week showed show elevated levels of bacteria, according to officials. The bacteria is caused by massive stormwater runoff from Hurricane Florence. “We recommend the public avoid contact with coastal waters identified on the North Carolina Recreational Water…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The areas hardest hit by Hurricane Florence saw help from across the state. MORE: Full coverage of Hurricane Florence Some of the help came from the Salvation Army in Wake County. Three members came home this week after serving for 10 days. The team served 10,000 meals during that period. “I think the most important thing I do is taking care of our clients and meeting their needs,” said program director…

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for single mom of two Zonnique Smith. The sudden excessive flooding from the hurricane forced her out of her home as emergency rescue crews helped her family evacuate. Two weeks after the storm, the stench of mold and mildew is unbearable. “Only thing I’m grateful for is we didn’t drown in the house,” said Smith. “I’ve lost all my stuff. How do I…

CAPE FEAR, N.C. (WTVD) — An American flag that captivated the Internet during Hurricane Florence in an Explore.org live cam on the Frying Pan Tower, a decommissioned Coast Guard light station 35 miles off the coast of Bald Head Island, N.C. is up for auction. The three-day auction opened Thursday at 10 p.m. and closes Sunday at 10 pm. According to the Frying Pan Tower Facebook page, 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly…