Ernesto whips Carolina coast, islands - Boston Globe

Winds approach hurricane force By Mike Baker, Associated Press | September 1, 2006 WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Tropical Storm Ernesto struck the North Carolina coast and barrier islands late last night, coming ashore with heavy rains and sustained winds that approached hurricane levels. The storm's tropical-force winds extended up to 145 miles from the center, mainly to the east. By the time the storm arrived near Long Beach in Brunswick County, its leading edge had dumped more than 8 inches of rain on ...