Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer was picking up a team at the Wilmington, North Carolina, airport on Monday. Ehmer spoke to The Associated Press by phone.
[Ads /]
SEE ALSO: How Waffle House works with FEMA during a disaster like Hurricane Florence
Ehmer says about 150 workers had been brought in as of Monday as part of the company's emergency response team. He says it's part of the company's culture to never close. The extra hands were partly needed because some local workers had to evacuate.
[Ads /]
The chain is so well known for staying open no matter what that former Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Craig Fugate created the so-called Waffle House Index. Fugate used the restaurants as a benchmark for how quickly local communities could rebound from hurricanes. Under the index, a closed Waffle House was a bad sign.
Ehmer says Waffle House is having to fly some food into Wilmington, which had been largely cut off from road access by Florence's floodwaters.
Part of the Starlite Motel is washed away in the aftermath of flooding from Hurricane Florence in Spring Lake, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.none
Part of the Starlite Motel is washed away in the aftermath of flooding from Hurricane Florence in Spring Lake, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.none
Women walk past a beached vessel on East Front Street in New Bern, on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018.none
Highway 210 in Spring Lake, N.C. is underwater Wednesday, September 19.WTVD
Flood waters isolate homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence September 19, 2018, in Lumberton, North Carolina.Creative Content
Flood waters isolate homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence September 19, 2018, in Lumberton, North Carolina.Creative Content
Flood waters isolate homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence September 19, 2018, in Lumberton, North Carolina.Creative Content
President Donald Trump visits the Temple Baptist Church, where food and other supplies are being distributed during Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.AP
A car sits in a flooded parking lot at an apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, N.C.AP
President Donald Trump hugs a young man while handing out prepackaged meals at Temple Baptist Church in an area impacted by Hurricane Florence, Sept. 19, 2018, in New Bern, N.C.AP
In this combination of photos, Cape Fear River flows under the Person Street bridge on Sept. 15, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.AP
This combination of photos shows the North Carolina Task Force urban search and rescue team on Sept. 16, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in Fayetteville, N.C.AP
This combination of photos shows Cape Fear River in the background on Sept. 16, 2018, left, and on Sept. 19, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence on Fayetteville, N.C.AP
Residents look out at the flooded entrance to an apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.AP
Hanna, left, and Eric Hadley stand at the flooded entrance to an apartment complex near the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.AP
Cars sit abandoned on a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Lillington, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.AP
The waters of the Little River flow up against a bridge as it begins to recede making the road passable in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville, NC, Sept. 18, 2018.AP
Kenny Babb walks down a staircase into the water on his flooded property as the Little River continues to rise after Hurricane Florence in Linden, N.C., Sept. 18, 2018.AP
This Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 photo shows rising flood waters in the Pee Dee area in Marion County, S.C.AP
South Carolina Public Works employee Danny Causey walks past a piece of roadway that was washed out by flooding from Hurricane Florence in Allsbrook, S.C., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.AP
Dianna Wood, embraces her husband Lynn, on Tuesday as they look out over their flooded property as the Little River continues to rise in the aftermath of Florence in Linden, N.C.AP
A truck drives through floodwaters after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas, Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, near Conway, S.C.AP
People use a road as a boat ramp after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C.AP
Floodwaters inundate a church after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Conway, S.C.AP
A rescue team pushes a boat towards stranded motorists after Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, near Wallace, S.C.AP
Flooding on Foushee Street in Durham on Monday.WTVD
A street lamp stands nearly submerged by the Cape Fear River as it continues to rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Fayetteville on Monday.AP
Willie Schubert of Pollocksville, N.C., cradle his dog Lucky as he waits to be rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew.AP
A flooded cemetery is seen during heavy rains from Florence in Marion, S.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. Downgraded overnight to a tropical depression, Florence was still massive.AP
U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Samuel Knoeppel, center, and Randy Haba, bottom right, approach to Willie Schubert of Pollocksville, N.C., on a stranded van in Pollocksville.AP
A submerged car sits surrounded by water outside a home in a flooded neighborhood in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.AP
A man paddles a kayak in a flooded neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, in Fayetteville, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.AP
Residents paddle a boat through a flooded neighborhood in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.AP
A woman waits inside an American Red Cross evacuation shelter in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on September 17, 2018.Creative Content
Bob Richling carries Iris Darden as water from the Little River starts to seep into her home on September 17, 2018, in Spring Lake, North Carolina.Creative Content
Flood waters are seen around a home as the Little River overflows its banks on September 17, 2018, in Spring Lake, North Carolina.Creative Content
Hundreds of people line up to buy ice at Rose Ice Company Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in Wilmington, N.C.Creative Content
Employees of Xylem Tree Experts work to clear downed pine trees and free up utility lines downed by Hurricane Florence along NC 306 near the Cherry Branch Ferry Terminal.Creative Content
A U.S. Air Force Security Forces Airmen assists law enforcement with evacuation efforts as the Black Creek river begins to crest in Florence, S.C.Creative Content
An above ground pool is surrounded by floodwaters from Hurricane Florence in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.AP
Airplanes sit in floodwaters at Curtis Brown Field in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Elizabethtown, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.AP
U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Ochoa rides in the back of a high water vehicle while searching for residents to evacuate from a flooded neighborhood.AP
A house is surrounded by floodwaters from Hurricane Florence in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.AP
Bob Richling carries out a rocking chair for 84-year-old Iris Darden as she evacuates her flooded home in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.AP
Flooded vehicles sit on a closed section of Interstate 95 in Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, where the Lumber river overflowed following flooding from Hurricane FlorenceAP
What appears to be a small levy breached due to storm waters from hurricane Florence in Rocky Point, NC., Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.AP
Umstead Road in flooded in Durham on Monday morning. There were several impassable areas near Riverside and Country Club.WTVD
Camelot Village in Chapel Hill experienced flooding Monday.WTVD
Veazey Road in Butner, N.C. was flooded on Monday morning.WTVD
The swollen Cape Fear River in Lillington on Monday.WTVD
Drone shots above the 15-501 bridge between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro on Monday.WTVD
Flooding in Robbins, N.C. on Monday.WTVD
Florence on Central Avenue Ext in Butner, N.C.WTVD
A tree is down in Princeton, N.C.WTVD
Central Avenue Ext. is flooded Monday morning in Butner.WTVD
Flooding on Sunday evening at Riverbirch Shopping Center in Sanford.WTVD
This road was washed out near Bear Marsh Church.WTVD
Flooding on Tommie Daniel Road in Granville County.WTVD
Flooding on Wire Road at Anderson Road crossroads outside FayettevilleWTVD
A house is underwater on Cameron Road in Hope Mills.WTVD
Flooding at Eastgate shopping center in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday.WTVD
Flooding at Eastgate shopping center in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday.WTVD
Flooding at Eastgate shopping center in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday.WTVD
Road damage on Pittsboro Elementary School Roadnone
A statue stands in front of a home along Alamac Road covered in flood waters on Sunday, Sept 16, 2018 in Lumberton, NC.none
Parts of a neighborhood are flooded from Hurricane Florence on September 16, 2018 in Latta, S.C.none
A tow truck is stranded in the floodwaters of Jacksonville, N.C.WTVD
A group of local fishermen keep an eye on the Cape Fear River as they stage for potential water rescues after Florence, in Fayetteville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Coast Guard Road leading to the south end of Emerald Isle is seen after Hurricane Florence hit Emerald Isle, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Damien Lugo, center, passes the time in his tattoo parlor with his girlfriend's daughter Kaitlin, 8, right, and friend John Danzing in Fayetteville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Helen McKoy walks down a flooded street in her neighborhood as Florence continues to dump heavy rain in Fayetteville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
A group of local fisherman keeps an eye on the Cape Fear River as they stage for potential water rescues while additional flooding remains a threat from Florence, in Fayetteville.AP
The lights remain on in this flooded military HMMWV in Jacksonville, NC.WTVD
Damage from Florence in Sampson County, N.C.WTVD
A road in Ivanhoe, N.C., in Sampson County is washed out.WTVD
A road in Ivanhoe, N.C., in Sampson County is washed out.WTVD
A car is damaged by a fallen tree in Sampson County, N.C.WTVD
Damage from Florence in Sampson County, N.C.WTVD
Part of a tree fell on a house in the Loch Lomond neighborhood in Fayetteville, N.C.WTVD
Kayaking the streets of Jacksonville, N.C. after the flooding.WTVD
A large tree fell on the parking lot of the Hope Mills BB&T on North Main St. nearly striking the bank itself.WTVD
Flash flooding in a neighborhood in Goldsboro.WTVD
A tree fell on a house in Jacksonville, N.C.WTVD
Minnie Hall Road Bridge is flooded near Salemburg, N.C. in Sampson County.WTVD
A tree fell on a house in Jacksonville, N.C.WTVD
A tree fell on a Jeep and busted the tires on the left side and possibly broke the driver's door, according to the ownerWTVD
One of three downed trees on the same block. This one snapped telephone wire and transformer sending sparks and flames flying high in the air last night.WTVD
Damage to a home Wrightsboro Street in Raeford, N.C.WTVD
A pickup is partially submerged Sunday on Linkhaw Road in Lumberton, N.C.WTVD
Garage buildings are inundated with floodwater from Hurricane Florence near Trenton, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Floodwaters from Hurricane Florence inundate the town of Trenton, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
A backhoe moves through the streets inundated with floodwaters from Hurricane Florence in Trenton, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP
Cars try to navigate a flooded road leading to Interstate 40 in Castle Hayne, N.C., after damage from Hurricane Florence cut off access to Wilmington, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Members of the North Carolina Task Force urban search and rescue team check cars in a flooded neighborhood in Fayetteville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Chuck Walzer, manager of the local FedEx office store moves sand bags during the aftermath of Hurricane Florence on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Asheville, N.C.AP
A man peers from his flooded home in Lumberton, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.AP
A car travels past a sinkhole in downtown Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence traveled through the area Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
A resident looks over a flooded street due to high tides and rain from hurricane Florence which moved through the area in Jacksonville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
The North Carolina Task Force urban search and rescue team carries a boat into a flooded neighborhood looking for residents who stayed behind in Fayetteville, N.C., Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Homes and a marina are flooded as a result of high tides and rain from hurricane Florence which moved through the area in Jacksonville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Homes along the New River are flooded as a result of high tides and rain from hurricane Florence which moved through the area in Jacksonville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Damaged mobile homes from hurricane Florence which moved through the area in Jacksonville, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
The North Carolina Task Force urban search and rescue team carries a boat into a flooded neighborhood looking for residents who stayed behind in Fayetteville, N.C., Sept. 16, 2018.AP
A tattered American flag after Hurricane Florence in Jacksonville N.C., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018.AP
Trailers at a park off Route 181 were relocated from their permanent platforms located next to Steele Creek in anticipation of rising water in Morganton, N.C.AP
Boat washes ashore in New Bernnone
Authorities evacuate a family from rising waters caused by Florence, now a tropical storm, on Saturday in New Bern.AP
A baseball field on Mill Creek Road is filled with floodwaters after Hurricane Florence hit Newport N.C., Saturday, Sept. 15.AP
Firefighters in Wilmington kneel in prayer while working to rescue a family after a tree fell on their home. They had just learned that the mother and baby had died.WTVD
Robert Simmons Jr. and his kitten, Survivor, are rescued from floodwaters in New Bern, NC after Hurricane Florence dumped several inches of rain in the area overnight Friday.none
The Newport River is up to the base of the bridge on Highway 70 in Newport, N.C. Going past the bridge westbound water covers Highway 70 along with some businesses.WTVD
People drive an ATV through floodwaters on the riverwalk in Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
The mast of a sunken boat sits at a dock at the Grand View Marina in New Bern, N.C., on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
A man crosses a flooded street in downtown Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
A rescue team from the North Carolina National Guard 1/120th battalion evacuates an elderly woman from her apartment.AP
none
A speed boat sits wedged in bushes in the parking lot of a waterfront hotel in New Bern, N.C., on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
People move a wood and metal structure off a roadway after winds from Hurricane Florence blew it off a sales lot in Florence, S.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
A fallen tree is shown after it crashed through the home where a woman and her baby were killed in Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
Vehicles drive through water from the White Oak River flooding Highway 24 as Hurricane Florence hit Swansboro N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
A gas pump lies on the ground after strong winds in Wilmington, N.C., toppled it after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
High winds and water surround a house as Hurricane Florence hits Swansboro N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
High winds and water surround a house as Hurricane Florence hits Swansboro N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
People walk through the high winds from Hurricane Florence in downtown Swansboro N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
Mike Kiernan takes photos of the damage to his home in Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
The shelter of a gas station lies on the ground in Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
High winds and water surround buildings as Hurricane Florence hits Swansboro N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
Downed trees and flooding in Dunn, N.C. on Friday.WTVD
A tree is down in Goldsboro.WTVD
Downed trees and flooding in Dunn, N.C. on Friday.WTVD
The steeple at Cumberland United Methodist Church was taken out by high winds from Florence on Friday.WTVD
A church on George Owen Drive in Fayetteville lost its steeple.WTVD
A home in Wake Forest is severely damaged by a fallen tree as Florence's outer bands lash the Triangle on Friday.WTVD
A home in Wake Forest is severely damaged by a fallen tree as Florence's outer bands lash the Triangle on Friday.WTVD
A home in Wake Forest is severely damaged by a fallen tree as Florence's outer bands lash the Triangle on Friday.WTVD
A tree is down Friday at a home on Camden Road in Fayetteville.WTVD
A fallen tree blocks Farrington Point Road in Chatham County and knocks out power in the neighborhood Friday.WTVD
A tree is down Friday at a home on Camden Road in Fayetteville.WTVD
Trees fall in Anderson CreekWTVD
A tree is down Friday at a home on Camden Road in Fayetteville.WTVD
Trees fall in Anderson CreekWTVD
A tree falls on a home on Glenwick Drive in Fayetteville.WTVD
A huge red oak tree came crashing down Friday on Calvin Street in Hillsborough, causing a power outage.WTVD
Sgt. Nick Muhar, from the North Carolina National Guard evacuates a young child as the rising floodwaters from Hurricane Florence threaten his home in New Bern on Friday.AP
Trees down in the Smithfield/Clayton area from Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Trees down in the Smithfield/Clayton area from Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Trees down in the Smithfield/Clayton area from Hurricane Florence.WTVD
A tree blocks a road Friday in Wilmington in the midst of Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Members of the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 4 and soldiers from the North Carolina National Guard search homes for evacuees in Fairfield Harbour during Hurricane Florence.Creative Content
Members of the North Carolina National Guard help an evacuee into a truck during Hurricane Florence September 14, 2018, in Fairfield Harbour, North Carolina.Creative Content
Members of the North Carolina National Guard search homes for evacuees during Hurricane Florence September 14, 2018, in Fairfield Harbour, North Carolina.Creative Content
Members of the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 4 and soldiers from the North Carolina National Guard search homes for evacuees in Fairfield Harbour during Hurricane Florence.Creative Content
A parking deck in the Cameron Village development in Raleigh, North Carolina, that was damaged during Hurricane FlorenceWTVD
A home with a damaged roof during Hurricane Florence in Clayton, North Carolina.WTVD
Storm damage from Hurricane Florence near the Cameron Village development in Raleigh, North Carolina,WTVD
A century-old oak tree fell on a home in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, during Hurricane Florence.WTVD
A damaged tree in Manteo, North Carolina, during Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Storm damage and downed trees in Wake County during Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Storm damage and downed trees in the Stonehenge neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina.WTVD
Downed trees and wind damage in Sanford, North Carolina during Hurricane Florence.WTVD
A woman removes debris from a road in Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
Ethan Hall, right, Michael Jenkins, center, and Nash Fralick, left, examine damage to Tidewater Brewing Co. in Wilmington, N.C.AP
Flooding caused by Hurricane Florence covers blocks of Front Street in downtown New Bern, N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
This photo provided by Angie Propst, shows a boat wedged in trees during Hurricane Florence in Oriental, N.C, Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
A tree uprooted by strong winds lies across a street in Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
High winds and storm surge from Hurricane Florence hits Swansboro N.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
High winds and storm surge from Hurricane Florence hits Swansboro N.C.,Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
Teddie Davis goes to check on one of the town's signature bears that was toppled by Hurricane Florence in downtown New Bern, N.C., on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
Owner Ethan Hall, right, and Michael Jenkins, left, check on damage to Tidewater Brewing Co. in Wilmington, N.C., after Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.AP
The police department in New Bern, N.C. shared these photos of the flooding taken while looking for people who needed help.none
The police department in New Bern, N.C. shared these photos of the flooding taken while looking for people who needed help.none
The police department in New Bern, N.C. shared these photos of the flooding taken while looking for people who needed help.none
Hurricane Florence pummels Jacksonville, N.C. on Thursday evening.WTVD
Flooding in New Bern, N.C. on Thursday from Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Flooding in New Bern, N.C. on Thursday from Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Flooding in New Bern, N.C. on Thursday from Hurricane Florence.WTVD
Shianne Coleman gets a hand from friend Austin Gremmel as the Neuse River begins to flood its banks during Hurricane Florence September 13, 2018, in New Bern, North Carolina.Creative Content
Flooding from Florence on Thursday at north Topsail Island. N.Cnone
A sign warns people away from Union Point Park after is was flooded by the Neuse River during Hurricane Florence September 13, 2018, in New Bern, North Carolina.Creative Content
Flooding begins on north Topsail Island on Thursday as Hurricane Florence rolls in.none
Residents wade through deep floodwater to retrieve belongings after the Neuse River went over its banks during Hurricane Florence September 13, 2018, in New Bern, United States.Creative Content
Portions of a boat dock and boardwalk are destroyed by powerful wind and waves as Hurricane Florence arrives September 13, 2018, in Atlantic Beach, United States.Creative Content
Residents try to prepare for more floodwaters at the Trent Court apartments after the Neuse River went over its banks during Hurricane Florence on September 13, 2018.Creative Content
Floodwater covers the walkway to the Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina as the Neuse River floods its banks during Hurricane Florence September 13, 2018, in James City, North Carolina.Creative Content
Overwash is seen on NC12 just north of Hatteras Village as Hurricane Florence approaches.Creative Content
Overwash over Route 12 in Avon, N.C., on Thursday afternoon.none
Waves from Hurricane Florence pound the Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle N.C., Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018.AP
Inland flooding is visible Thursday afternoon in Kitty Hawk, N.C.WTVD
Waves from Hurricane Florence pound the Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle N.C., Thursday.AP
Fishermen launch a boat as they attempt to recover their haul-seine fishing net in Virginia Beach, Va., as Hurricane Florence moves towards the eastern shore.AP
Waves from Hurricane Florence pound the Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle.AP
Police man a road block near a drawbridge to Wrightsville Beach, N.C., as Hurricane Florence threatens the coast Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018.none
Sand bags surround homes on North Topsail Beach, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, as Hurricane Florence threatens the coast.none
Body surfer Andrew Vanotteren, of Savannah, Ga., crashes into waves from Hurricane Florence, Wednesday, Sept., 12, 2018, on the south beach of Tybee Island, Ga.none
Korea war veteran, Ed Coddington, 83; wife Esther, 78, Markia McCleod, rear, her aunt Ernestine McCleod and daughter Keymoni, 4 wait in a shelter for Hurricane Florence to pass.none
Two people hold hands while walking through a shelter housing evacuees fleeing the path of Hurricane Florence in Conway, S.C., Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018.none
A man walks past a boarded up shop in Wilmington, North Carolina on September 12, 2018.none
Poolside furniture is placed in the pool of a hotel ahead of the approaching Hurricane Florence on September 12, 2018.none
Andrew Lingle walks along the beach at sunrise as Hurricane Florence approaches the east coast in Atlantic Beach, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018.none
Marge Brown, 65, says goodbye to her father, George Brown, 90, before he is evacuated from a healthcare home in Morehead City, N.C., Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018.none
A sign is seen on a boarded up bar in Wilmington, North Carolina on September 12, 2018.none
A boat is docked partially in the road as workers pull boats from the water in Wanchese Harbor in Wanchese, N.C. as Hurricane Florence approaches on Sept. 12.none
People line up to enter a hurricane shelter at Trask Middle School in wilmington, North Carolina, on September 11, 2018.none
People line up to enter a hurricane shelter at Trask Middle School in wilmington, North Carolina, on September 11, 2018.none
Workers take boats out of the water in Wanchese Harbor as Hurricane Florence approaches the coast of the Carolinas on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, in Wanchese, N.C.none
A gas station in Mt. Pleasant S.C. alerts motorist that it is out of gas due to the heavy demand caused by Hurricane Florence Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.none
This long-haired tabby cat is up for adoption and is one of 26 animals being evacuated from Norfolk, Va., to Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington ahead of Florence.none
Frances, an 8-year-old Chihuahua mix up for adoption, is one of the 26 cats and dogs arriving at Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington ahead of Florence.none
Ryder, a mixed breed dog up for adoption, looks out from an enclosure at Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington after being evacuated from Norfolk, Va. ahead of Florence.none
Miss Kitty, a short-haired cat who is up for adoption, was among the animals evacuated from Norfolk, Va. to the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington on Tuesday.none
A worker covers a window at Charleston City Hall in Charleston, S.C.none
A surfer catches a wave with a navy ship behind him, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, in Virginia Beach, Va.none
Sailors cast off mooring lines to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.none
Emmett West pulls his boat from a nearby marina to secure it at his home ahead Hurricane Florence in Morehead City, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 11.none
Michelle Stober, of Cary, N.C., removes food from a freezer as she prepares their vacation home in advance of Hurricane Florence in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 11.none
Adam Bazemore places sandbags in the doorways, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, in the Willoughby Spit area of Norfolk, Va., as he makes preparations for Hurricane Florence.none
Russell Meadows, left, helps neighbor Rob Muller board up his home ahead of Hurricane Florence in Morehead City, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.none
Workers board up the Wrightsville Beach Art Co. while preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Florence on September 11, 2018 in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.none
Preston Guiher carries a sheet of plywood as he prepares to board up a Wells Fargo bank in preparation for Hurricane Florence in downtown Charleston, S.C., Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.none
Matt Jones tees off while his friend Jacob Whitehead looks on at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. on September 11, 2018, as they plan to ride out Hurricane Florence.none
A sign warning customers that alcohol sales are suspended due to a 'state of emergency' at an Exxon station in Harbinger, North Carolina on September 11, 2018.none
Derek Mundy, left, and Kris Crouse boards up the Confederate House in preparation for Hurricane Florence in downtown Charleston, S.C., Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.none
A Tiki bar sits empty with the message "FLO AWAY" September 11, 2018 on Topsail Island, North Carolina, where homes and businesses have boarded up.none
People drive over a drawbridge in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., as they evacuate the area in advance of Hurricane Florence, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.none
Residents evacuate from coastal areas near Wallace, North Carolina, on September 11, 2018.none
In this Monday afternoon, Sept. 10, 2018 photo provided by DroneBase, an aerial view of Avon, N.C., in the Outer Banks is shown ahead of Hurricane Florence.none
Larry Pierson, from the Isle of Palms, S.C., purchases bottled water from the Harris Teeter grocery store on the Isle of Palms in preparation for Hurricane Florence on Monday.none