NORTH CAROLINA -- With hundreds of thousands of power outages, multiple swift water rescues and structures being toppled along the North Carolina coast, the state is welcoming help from all angles. 

Crews from Tennessee arrived at Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative Thursday night to assist with the reported 40,000 outages. Other linemen from Virginia and Alabama are expected to arrive soon. Officials from CCEC say they do not plan to begin work until the storm has calmed down. 

“When we have a storm like this, people may have unrealistic expectations based on what they see in their neighborhoods,” said CCEC Communications Director Lisa Galizia. “We have a comprehensive storm restoration plan that we will follow once conditions allow.”

The Cajun Texas Navy, an informal volunteer group, is assisting those who need rescueing along the coast.

The Charlotte Hornets and majority owner, Michael Jordan, are working to help provide relief to people impacted by the storm.

 
 
 
Apple CEO Tim Cook says "the Carolinas" are in his heart and the company plans to donate $1,000,000 to the Red Cross.
 
 
 
TIPS FROM CCEC TO STAY SAFE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES:
  • Stay away from downed or sagging power lines
  • Stay away from anything downed or sagging power lines may be touching
  • Do not use portable generators indoors, in garages/basements, near windows, vents/doors

Stay up to date on the clean-up and aftermath of Florence: