The largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast opened its gates to anyone with Department of Defense IDs and their families Wednesday afternoon, as a monster hurricane barrels toward the Carolinas — Camp Lejeune potentially at its bullseye. Hurricane Florence is expected to slap the area with winds above 100 mph and rainfall measured in feet. Camp Lejeune Brigadier General Julian D. Alford said in a statement that the base has endured “countless destructive weather events over its 77-year history,” and he expects the structures to continue withstanding tough conditions. While the focus is on base, the team is prepared to respond to emergency incidents in the community — but only if local authorities formally request their assistance. Camp Lejeune’s three prepared shelters — on school grounds and in a fitness center — have the capability to hold 1,500 people.

Source: Fox News September 13, 2018 00:00 UTC