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.

Pallets of mulch are stacked in front of the doors of an Ace Hardware in preparation in Calabash, N.C. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

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A man loads belongings into his car before evacuating in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Photo by Al Drago/UPI

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A surfer heads into the water before the approaching hurricane in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Photo by Al Drago/UPI

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Arisa Yoon, from Wrightsville Beach, N.C., balances on Jeff Pyles, as they enjoy the empty beach before Hurricane Florence arrives. Photo by Al Drago/UPI

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