Hurricane Arthur Strengthens Over Atlantic, Forecasted To Become Strong Category 2
Hurricane Arthur is strengthening over the Atlantic, with forecasters predicting it will become a strong Category 2 as it threatens to deliver North Carolina a glancing blow on Independence Day.
The hurricane's maximum sustained winds late Thursday morning were 90 mph as the storm's outer bands started to reach southern parts of North Carolina. Category 2 hurricanes pack winds of more than 96 mph.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Arthur is centered about 260 miles southwest of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and about 110 miles south-southwest of Cape Fear. It's moving north at 14 mph.
Predicted heavy rains and winds prompted thousands of vacationers and residents to leave parts of the state's popular flood-prone Outer Banks.
Hatteras island was under a mandatory evacuation order for visitors and residents, with officials asking an estimated 35,000 people to leave through North Carolina Route 12, the only road on and off the island.
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http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2014/07/03/arthur-takes-aim-at-carolinas/
