Salem-News.com Hurricane Arthur articles

East Coast Braces for Hurricane Arthur`s Furry

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory said emergency preparation efforts had been made more complicated by the arrival of thousands of tourists.

(WILMINGTON, N.C.) - Hurricane Arthur strengthened into a potentially destructive category-two storm as it closed in on the U.S. East Coast, with millions of people braced for its impact on the eve of the Independence Day holiday.

The first storm of the Atlantic hurricane season was packing maximum winds of 100 miles per hour, forecasters said, warning North Carolina -- home to many popular holiday destinations -- would bear the brunt of Arthur's fury.

Tropical Storm Arthur Picks Up Speed; Nearly at Hurricane Strength

Several towns and villages on North Carolina's Outer Banks and coast rescheduled Independence Day festivities and fireworks plans as the storm picked up speed.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - Tropical Storm Arthur threatened to douse some July 4 holiday plans on the U.S. East Coast as officials ordered evacuations of some low-lying coastal areas, closed beaches and tourist sites and delayed fireworks shows in anticipation of heavy rain and fierce winds.

The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season was close to reaching hurricane strength, forecasters said on Thursday, leaving some businesses worried about taking a financial hit.