New Bern was devastated by Hurricane Florence. When the storm howled through the city at the convergence of the Trent and Neuse rivers, it flooded homes, businesses and streets for days. Hundreds were rescued from New Bern and Craven County shortly after the storm hit, The News & Observer reported. Many more would be rescued in the following days. Swift-water rescue teams converged on New Bern to lend a hand and the city issued a 24-hour curfew to try to keep people safe. Early estimates from the city showed “at least 4,325 homes and 300 businesses are damaged and railroad tracks have been washed away,” the N&O reported on Sept. 14.