TRACKING IDALIA: Storm continues to North Carolina coast

Hurricane Idalia made landfall early Wednesday in Florida as a strong Category 3 storm with winds of 125 mph.

The storm briefly reached Category 4 before hitting the Sunshine State’s Big Bend region. It then crossed into Georgia with Category 1 winds.

It was downgraded to a tropical storm around 5 p.m. Wednesday.

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Charlotte area sees heavy rain, some flooding

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As Idalia made its way up the east coast, it brought strong winds and intense storm surges to the Carolinas.

The National Weather Service said flooding due to heavy rains on the backside of Idalia will continue across coastal North Carolina throughout Thursday.

Heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding continued to affect portions of eastern North Carolina. Winds also increased over the Outer Banks and Pamlico Sound.

Wednesday night, several tornado warnings were also issued in Brunswick County due to the storm.

Channel 9 has crews surveying the damage left behind by Idalia.

Four Paws Veterinary Hospital in Southport confirmed that the roof of their building was ripped off due to the storm. Their ceiling also collapsed.

However, no injuries to any animals or employees in the shelter have been reported.

The business said it will be closed Thursday and probably Friday as well.

SPECIAL SECTION: Tracking the Tropics

In the wake of Idalia’s impact, Samaritan’s Purse has announced it will be deploying two U.S. Disaster Relief Units to Georgia after Idalia moved on.

The units, tractor trailers filled with relief supplies and equipment, departed from their Wilkes Ministry Center in western North Carolina on Wednesday.

They are en route to their partner congregation, Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

VIDEO: Idalia: Charlotte area sees heavy rain, some flooding