As Hurricane Florence approaches eastern North Carolina, Beaufort County is beginning to feel the effects of the storm.

Several piers along Bath Creek are already swamped out, and some large tree branches have fallen, according to Chris Umfleet of Bath. Umfleet also reports sandbags are being prepared at Brook’s. Blackbeard’s Slices and Ices will remain open indefinitely until the weather becomes too severe, according to the restaurant’s management.

This is only the beginning of the storm and conditions will only worsen as time passes. Please continue to prepare for a serious threat to Beaufort County.