Hurricane Florence strikes Carolinas (108 images)

The Carolina coast saw major storm surges, strong winds and fierce rain early Friday as Hurricane Florence arrived on land at Category 1 strength.

A surfer rides the increased swells in Folly Beach, S.C. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI

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A "Gone Surfing" message is left on the plywood boards protecting the doors of McKevlins Surf Shop in Folly Beach, S.C. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI

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A local resident walks past a shuttered historic home along the historic Battery on Charleston Harbor in Charleston, S.C. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI

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A local residents talk a walk along the historic Battery on Charleston Harbor in Charleston, S.C. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI

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