Hurricane Florence latest: Video captures HORRIFYING aftermath of storm on North Carolina

Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina in the early hours of September 14 shoving a life-threatening amount of water inland and hammering the coast with 90mph winds. 

Ben Johnson, a resident of the town of Belhaven on the Pantego River, shared shocking videos to showcase the devastating effects the Florence-triggered floodings had caused in the area. 

The area surrounding Mr Johnson’s house appears entirely flooded, with the water nearly reaching the first floor of the building and entering the house after destroying the garage door.

Five people have died so far in North Carolina after Florence’s arrival, including a mother and infant who were crushed to death when a tree fell on their home on Friday.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest Florence update at 10am BST that a storm surge warning remained in effect for Myrtle Beach in South Carolina to the Ocracoke Inlet in North Carolina, and for Pamlico Sound.

The NHC said: “Florence is moving toward the west-southwest near 5 mph (8 km/h), and a turn toward the west and northwest is expected today and Sunday. Florence is forecast to turn northward through the Ohio Valley by Monday.

“Radar data indicate that the maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 50 mph (80 km/h) with higher gusts. Continued gradual weakening is forecast while Florence moves farther inland during the next couple of days, and it is likely to weaken to a tropical depression by tonight.”

More than 800,000 people were left without power across North Carolina, with officials warning the number could rise to 2.5 million in the coming days. 

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper advised residents and visitors to remain inside, warning that the risk of fatalities will increase once the winds die down.

Governor Cooper said: “Hurricane Florence is powerful, slow and relentless. It’s an uninvited brute who doesn’t want to leave.”

“For overall damage, it would be hard, at the end of the day, to find a rival for this storm.”

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday evening that he would visit the areas ravaged by Florence’s devastating force. 

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said: “The President is expected to travel to areas affected by the storm early to middle of next week, once it is determined his travel will not disrupt any rescue or recovery efforts.

“We will keep you posted when we have details.”