Salem-News.com Tropical Storm Arthur articles

Tropical Storm Arthur Picks Up Speed; Nearly at Hurricane Strength

Several towns and villages on North Carolina's Outer Banks and coast rescheduled Independence Day festivities and fireworks plans as the storm picked up speed.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - Tropical Storm Arthur threatened to douse some July 4 holiday plans on the U.S. East Coast as officials ordered evacuations of some low-lying coastal areas, closed beaches and tourist sites and delayed fireworks shows in anticipation of heavy rain and fierce winds.

The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season was close to reaching hurricane strength, forecasters said on Thursday, leaving some businesses worried about taking a financial hit.