Q&A: Arthur's aftermath

Despite a series of tornado warnings across the eastern third of the state throughout Thursday evening, no serious storm damage was reported before daybreak Friday.

"I am especially worried for our communities along the Pamlico Sound," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "They could be seeing a good bit of flooding."

Storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane, according to FEMA. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during or after the center of a storm passes through an area.

One of the biggest threats for Wilmington-area beaches is going to be rip currents. The threat for bigger surf and stronger winds may be along the Outer Banks beaches. There could be more sound-side flooding than ocean-side.

Emergency management officials are limiting access in Dare County. A curfew is in effect for Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo until 6 a.m. to allow time for the worst of the storm to pass.

A voluntary evacuation is also in place for Ocracoke Island.

The state Department of Transportation suspended operations Ocracoke-Hatteras ferry and on routes between Ocracoke-Swan Quarter and Ocracoke-Cedar Island. Ferry service will resume as soon at conditions allow.

Gov. Pat McCrory said DOT officials were prepared for overwash on N.C. Highway 12.

The eye wall of Hurricane Arthur  came ashore at Morehead City just before 11 p.m. with maximum wind gusts up to 100 mph and sustained winds of 67 mph. The storm was headed NE at 18 mph and was expected to pick up speed and continue to move away from North Carolina through the night.

The Red Cross is operating shelters away from the North Carolina coast for residents and tourists who left coastal areas and for those who see power loss or property damage from the storm.

The following shelters allow pets:

Other shelters are available at:

Residents should bring pillows, blankets, water, food, medication and chargers for electronic devices. Where shelters allow pets, owners are asked to bring restraints, pet food and material for pet waste cleanup.

Friday should see clear skies and pleasant conditions along the coast and across much of the state. There is no reason for additional cancellations of fireworks displays and other celebrations – at the coast or inland, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said.

Behind the storm, pleasant weather is on the way for much of North Carolina. Temperatures will be cooler, with lower humidity and clear skies.

The North Carolina Attorney General's Office says landlords are required under state law to provide a written agreement that spells out the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. That usually includes information about cancellation policies and travel insurance.

Tropical weather threatening your vacation plans? Know your renter's rights

If you’re ordered to leave as part of a mandatory evacuation, the Attorney General's Office, says, and you were not given a chance to purchase insurance, the landlord is required to refund your money for each night you can’t stay at the rental property.

If you are offered that insurance and choose not to buy it, the landlord does not have to refund your money – even if there is a mandatory evacuation.

The same goes if you miss out on a couple of days, are unhappy that a walkway or pool is no longer usable or just decide that you don't want to go because of damage nearby.

Without rental insurance, don't expect compensation.

Many landlords are willing to work with tenants by either giving them credit for a future stay or switching dates, but you should check in advance.