Hurricane Florence: Rescue Efforts Underway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Scores of people, stranded in rising floodwaters, needed to be rescued Friday by emergency crews as the full force of Hurricane Florence was unleashed upon North Carolina, according to media reports. Meantime, FEMA administrator Brock Long warned "this is why we ask you to leave" of those who did not heed the government's evacuation orders.

The state North Carolina reported Friday that 100-plus were rescued, though it did not provide specific details about the rescues. It did say the rescues included some animals.

CNN reported that some 200 people were pulled from floodwaters in the small city of New Bern, North Carolina, on Friday. The news station said that another 150 people had to be left behind as the storm conditions worsened.

The hurricane, which weakened to a Category 1 storm, made landfall at 7:15 a.m. at Wrightsville Beach, just east of Wilmington, North Carolina, and near the South Carolina border. The storm packed 90 mph winds and a vicious storm surge. Early morning video showed roofs being torn from buildings and trees bending.

Federal, state and local authorities have issued evacuation orders to residents throughout the coastal areas and beyond into the inland swaths of the Carolinas.

In an interview with CBS News Friday, Long, of FEMA, told viewers that the warnings were issued for a reason– to avoid situations like the the one that played out in New Bern. He lamented that it's unfortunate emergency crews have to put their lives on the line for those who disregarded the warnings.

"That is exactly the reason we ask people to evacuate is the ocean rising," Long told CBS.

Meantime, there were reports of looting, which many people who stay behind cite as the reason not to leave – to protect their belongings.

Related coverage:

• Hurricane Florence Turns South: What It Means For NC
• Hurricane Florence: How North Carolina Can Prepare
• NC Residents Advised To Review Homeowners Insurance Now
• Where To Find Gas In NC: Hurricane Florence Evacuation
• Hurricane Florence Prep: How To Keep Kids Safe And Calm
• NC State Will Not Play Football Game Saturday Due To Florence
• List: North Carolina Schools Closing Due To Hurricane Florence
• 'This Storm Is A Monster': NC Governor Orders Coastal Evacuation
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• Freeze Your Leftovers And Other Tips Ahead Of Hurricane Florence
• Duke Energy: Florence Will Leave Millions Without Power For Weeks

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Main photo: High winds and storm surge from Hurricane Florence hits Swansboro N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Tom Copeland)