As Florence continues to cause problems for the Carolinas, the country is hoping for the best.
That especially is true for one local woman who has family riding out the storm.
"I am just a ball of nerves. I hope they stay safe and hopefully they use their heads and take the precautions that are given to them," Shannon Fleser said.
Shannon Fleser's brother Shane is a firefigher on the Fayetteville, North Carolina fire department. He's trained for rescue operations, so he has to stay in town as Florence approaches.
"You just feel helpless. There's nothing you can do. You can't make them leave. As much as you scream at them to leave...you can't make them."
Shane will be riding out the storm with his family.
"I'm really proud that he's risking his life to save others. And somebody's got to do it," she said.
Fleser says she used to be a critic of people who stayed when they were warned to leave, but because of her brother, now understands it's not always that easy.
"Open your door to those that need it. You know, if you know somebody that needs to get out, open your door if you have the room. Open your door and open your heart," Fleser said.
It's a waiting game that only Mother Nature knows how it will play out.
"So you don't get away from it, you just hold your breath and pray and hope that everyone comes out accounted for."
