Isaias Slams North Carolina Coast

After striking Ocean Isle Beach as a hurricane, Isaias, now a tropical storm, continues to push north. NBC's Jay Gray reports.

(NBC News) — Residents along the North Carolina coast are surveying the damage left by Hurricane Isaias.

The storm made landfall overnight near Ocean Isle Beach, packing 85 mile-per-hour winds and heavy rains.

Even in areas familiar with the devastating effects of a storm, this one is different.

“When you’re already feeling the strain and stress from a pandemic, you hope it’s not the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” says Dr. Thaddeus Golden, Critical Care Director at Grand Strand Medical Center.

The virus has altered rescue strategies and procedures at shelters, where evacuees will have to wear masks and social distance.

Now a tropical storm, Isaias continues to push north along the coast. Communities as far north as Maine are facing the threat of flash flooding, violent storm surges and possible tornadoes.

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