The National Weather Service said Florence could bring as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain in the region and lead to major river flooding that could last for several days.
The National Weather Service has declared a flash-flood emergency for part of the county that is home to North Carolina’s biggest city.
A flash-flood emergency also was declared for adjacent Union County, where the weather service says several water rescues were underway and emergency management officials reported as many as 70 flooded roads.
2:30 p.m. South Carolina officials are warning residents about flash flooding as rains from Florence continue to pelt the state.
Heavy rain has fallen on portions of central and eastern South Carolina after former hurricane-turned-Tropical Depression Florence moved onshore.
Many of the city’s stations are out of fuel.
10:45 a.m. North Carolina’s transportation secretary says one of his top priorities is to find a way to get into Wilmington after damage from Florence closed major roads into the city.
4:10 a.m. Florence has weakened into a tropical depression but flash flooding and major river flooding are expected to continue over significant portions of the Carolinas.
Both states also are at a risk of dangerous flash floods and river flooding.
Tropical Storm Florence is expected to weaken into a depression soon but flash flooding and major river flooding are expected to continue over significant portions of the Carolinas.