Seven years ago, Hurricane Florence, a Category 1 storm, made landfall in Wrightsville Beach, leaving a lasting impact on Eastern North Carolina. New Bern was among the hardest-hit cities, and today, the community reflects on the devastation and the strides made since.
Former New Bern Mayor Dana Outlaw recalled the challenges faced during the storm. “There was a lack of communication, a lack of resources, because Highway 17, 70, and 40 were all flooded,” said Outlaw.
In the aftermath, the community united to rebuild, focusing on future preparedness. Raising the elevation of homes has been a key strategy, as storm surge remains a significant threat. Hurricane Florence’s surge measured over 10 feet, a height now marked by a pole at the New Bern History Center…