New Bern - Two hundred rescued - 150 still need help. Some calls for basically "water up to my chest, I need help, come get me".
Instructing people to go to their second floor or attic. "We're coming to get you".
Per Weather Channel.
ETA: From Fox, 10 foot storm surge reported in New Bern area.
Listening to CBS & NBC this AM, and I am VERY impressed by the ongoing rescue and even FIREFIGHTING effort ongoing in the face of the storm!
Just listened to Willmington NC Fire Chief on NBC. He reports that his crews are finding it difficult to navigate city due to maze of downed trees. WFD had to fight a fire overnight in the storm (Incredible bravery and dedication by WFD and others per me). His rescue teams have not yet been able to make to the ocean front as of 8:00-ish this AM.
Heard one line from news reporter voice over that the Cajun Navy were on location, and providing water rescue assistance. Some of the finest small boatsmen in the world. Don't worry if they stop to catch dinner on the way back to the EOC or firehouse (whatever it is, it will be good to eat cooked with rice).
This storm is not H. Katrina, but it is a Cat 1 storm with a Cat 4 storm/tidal surge, and apparently it is possible to function in a rescue and fire suppression role in this environment, as the WFD is doing! Incredible effort AND results. Yet, there are times that all EMFRS can humanly do is to hunker down until conditions allow an active and survivable response. I am now certain that all local EMFRS are doing the best they can, with what they have, in the face of catastrophic conditions. We can ask no more of anyone! There should be no "armchair" criticism of the New Bern or other EMFRS response at this time. Tar heels (North and South) are tough, and will do their best.
(No, not you Jax49 (per criticism), and thanks mucho for your informative post)
On NBC Al Roker knows his weather. Hoda Kotb was a TV news reporter and personality in the New Orleans area for years. She "gets" hurricanes (and good food). CBS coverage is also good, if a bit chatty.
Per your post above: (sic EMFRS) "Instructing people to go to their second floor or attic" (vertical evacuation in place). This is why (I keep saying) if you live in a floodplain, you should keep an axe in the attic for a REALLY rainy day. Look at the FEMA Floodplain maps and then go buy Federal Flood Insurance IF they will sell it to you.
Homeowners Insurance will not pay for any water damage with this kind of flooding. Also, the Snake Farmers and All Snakes handlers you meet on the ground will insist that your metal roof, wind molded into an Oak tree, was put there by storm surge water force, not wind force damage, and refuse to pay! This after paying 30 years of premiums to participate in their "Snake" show. (Per MSM, from the Gulf Coast, in the aftermath of H. Katrina!).
God PLEASE Bless, protect, and watch over all involved in this storm and its aftermath!
