Projected to stay a category 2 Hurricane and land ashore somewhere near Morehead City, NC. Irene has begun to affect The Cape Fear Region with her powerful gusts and soaking rain.
In Carolina Beach most businesses have shuttered their windows or at least have closed due to the inclement weather. Carolina Beach Lake was drained as a precautionary measure, and it is expected to fill rapidly. Unfortunately, there is no drain for other usual flood spots of Canal Drive and Carolina Beach Ave. North. The Carolina Beach Boat Basin had begun to lap over as early as 6:30 pm on Friday.
In Kure Beach the fishing pier is being battered by waves high enough to blow through the planks. Onlookers watched in awe as the familiar angling spot swayed with power of the ocean. The North End fishing pier is also reportedly taking a beating, confirmed by several first hand accounts.
High waves had also begun splashing over the rock wall near the Fort Fisher Gazebo around 6:30 pm on Friday.
Reports of flooding around the area and sporadic power are being reported from various neighborhoods in Carolina Beach. Power outages in Wilmington are confirmed by Progress Energy.
