Not much changed on the inland effects. They still get all the rain and rain-caused flooding. The storm weakening just means a little less wind and coastal storm surge damage. But the inland rain and flooding will seem to some out of proportion to the meh Cat 1 storm.
No doubt. New Bern where he is from is close to the coast, very susceptible to surge. People wanting to ride it out should at least be aware of what they are in for.
Worst damage probably yet to come from flooding in the Piedmont and hills.
Exactly! My mother lives in western NC & they are worried about possible flooding.