Storm surge display helps Cape Fear residents visualize hurricane danger

Storm surge display helps Cape Fear residents visualize hurricane danger

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. — As the Cape Fear approaches the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Fran, a new storm surge pole is helping residents visualize just how high water can rise during a hurricane. Fran made landfall in the Cape Fear region on Sept. 5, 1996, as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing damaging winds, storm surge and heavy rain to southeastern North Carolina. The storm knocked down trees and power lines, damaged homes and left many commu…