Hurricane Florence updates: Category 1 storm makes landfall

Here's the very latest on Hurricane Florence which made landfall in the Carolinas just after 5:30 a.m. Friday.

Florence is just inland near Cape Fear in North Carolina -- continuing to bring life-threatening storm surges and hurricane-force wind gusts.

The Category 1 storm has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. It is currently meandering WSW. Meteorologist Corey Simma says Florence will potentially maintain hurricane strength through the evening Friday.

A major concern: life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding.

The eyewall of Florence first came onshore in Wilmington, North Carolina, causing a life-threatening storm surge, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Meteorologist Arielle Nixon says peak wind gusts of 91 mph are being reported from Wilmington, NC as the storm pushed onshore. 

Forecasters said conditions will deteriorate as the storm pushes ashore early Friday near the North Carolina-South Carolina line and makes its way slowly inland.

Photos: Hurricane Florence batters Carolinas

The outer bands, wind and rain have been lashing the coast since Thursday -- including life-threatening storm surge.

Cox Media Group