Hurricane Ophelia lashes eastern US

Hurricane Ophelia lashed the North Carolina coast with high winds and heavy rains, beginning an anticipated two-day assault that threatened serious flooding and an 11-foot storm surge.

“If you have not heeded the warning before, let me be clear right now: Ophelia is a dangerous storm,” Governor Mike Easley said from Raleigh, appealing especially to those in flood-prone areas to evacuate.