Reuters: North Carolina feels first bite of mammoth Hurricane Florence
WILMINGTON, N.C. (Reuters) - Coastal North Carolina felt the first bite of Hurricane Florence on Thursday as winds began to rise, a prelude to the slow-moving tempest that forecasters warned would cause catastrophic flooding across a wide swath of the U.S. southeast.
The center of Florence, no longer classified as a major hurricane but still posing a grave threat to life and property, is expected to hit North Carolina’s southern coast Friday, then drift southwest before moving inland on Saturday, enough time to drop feet of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center.
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MIDDLE EAST
France warns against chemical attacks in last Syria rebel stronghold.
Syrian rebels preventing refugees from leaving Idlib as Russian forces prepare final offensive.
‘Don’t test us’: Haley threatens US strikes over any attack on Syria’s Idlib.
US says Saudi Arabia, UAE protecting civilians in Yemen war.
Iran says strike on Kurd rebels warning to 'foreign powers'.
Israelis and Palestinians lament Oslo Accord deadlock, 25 years on.
Turkey bans use of foreign currency in property market.
ASIA
Taliban overruns military base in Zabul.
Taliban set for new talks with US.
South Korean business leaders to attend inter-Korean summit.
Japan favors signing peace treaty with Russia after resolving islands issue.
Jailing of Reuters journalists 'nothing to do with freedom of expression', says Aung San Suu Kyi.
Philippines typhoon: Millions in the path of the year's strongest storm. Evacuation begins as Typhoon Mangkhut approaches the Philippines.
Cambodia's Hun Sen tells world: Leave Indochina alone.
AFRICA
Nigeria troops repel fresh Boko Haram base attack.
South Sudan president signs peace deal with rebel leader.
Juncker unveils EU's Africa plan to counter China.
New law that bars violence against women takes effect in Morocco.
Public assembly banned in Zimbabwe capital amid cholera outbreak. Zimbabwe cholera deaths at 24, drugs resistant: WHO.
Text messages urge Zambians to report online child abuse.
France admits it used torture during Algeria war.
Former UN chief Kofi Annan laid to rest in Ghana.
EUROPE
‘We’re not agents’: UK’s suspects in Skripal case talk exclusively with RT’s editor-in-chief (VIDEO). Skripal poisoning suspects say they were tourists in UK.
Putin: Russia will continue to strengthen armed forces so that they can defend sovereignty.
EU prolongs sanctions against Russia for six months.
UK mass surveillance violates right to privacy, rules European court. GCHQ data collection regime violated human rights, court rules.
German spy chief passed info to AfD: report.
Spain to sell laser-guided bombs to Saudi Arabia.
Pussy Riot member who invaded pitch during World Cup has been hospitalised: Russian reports.
AMERICAS
Defiant residents rush to prepare as Florence barrels towards Carolina coast.
Hurricane Florence tracker: where is the storm heading?
Trump disputes Puerto Rico hurricane death toll.
California shootings: Six dead in Bakersfield.
EL Salvador's ex-leader Antonio Saca gets 10 years in jail.
Venezuela's Maduro travels to China in search of fresh funds.
Popularity of Brazilian Presidential candidate Bolsonaro rises after stabbing attack.
Lula: Jailed ex-leader pulls out of Brazil election.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al Qaeda leader: America is the main enemy in a ‘single war with different fronts’.
Turkish intelligence 'captures bombing suspect in Syria'.
US backed forces begin Syria battle for ISIS' last redoubt.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Leaked video shows Google execs troubled by Trump election.
OPEC ups production as prices rise, supply declines.
US plans crackdown on e-cigarette firms citing 'epidemic' teen use.
Restaurant loses $190m in value after dead rat found in soup.
