Slow-moving storm bashes Carolinas, killing at least 4

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Blowing ashore with howling 90 mph winds, Hurricane Florence splintered buildings, trapped hundreds of people and swamped entire communities along the Carolina coast Friday in what could be just the opening act in a watery, slow-motion disaster. At least four people were killed.

Forecasters warned that drenching rains from 1 to 3½ feet as the storm crawls westward across North and South Carolina could trigger epic flooding well inland over the next few days.

As 400-mile-wide Florence pounded away at the coast with torrential downpours and surging seas, rescue crews used boats to reach scores of people besieged by rising waters. More than 60 others had to be rescued as a cinderblock motel collapsed.