From watching the updates from last night and this AM, your point cannot be emphasized enough. And no, I wouldn't say that this is alarmist at this point. Folks really need to start paying serious attention.
Anyone East of the line running from Havelock through Elizabeth City may end up being on the East side of this monster. Obviously nothing is certain this morning, but the time has come to pay serious attention and plan accordingly (that includes folks along the Atlantic coast north of NC as well).
Of note:
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...
A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS
A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* NORTH OF SURF CITY NORTH CAROLINA TO THE NORTH CAROLINA-VIRGINIA BORDER INCLUDING THE PAMLICO...ALBEMARLE...AND CURRITUCK SOUNDS
A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* NORTH OF EDISTO BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA TO SURF CITY NORTH CAROLINA
A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA. A WATCH IS TYPICALLY ISSUED 48 HOURS BEFORE THE ANTICIPATED FIRST OCCURRENCE OF TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS...CONDITIONS THAT MAKE OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS DIFFICULT OR DANGEROUS.
I’ll throw in another geogrpahical concern: New Bern, NC.
Even though that city lies somewhat inland, they lie at the top of a narrowing channel of water that would get pushed back into the city - flooding it significantly - if the eye pushes onshore anywhere towards them.
In other words, New Bern is not a safe evacuation point for those along the coastline. I would head to at least Kinston - maybe Elizabethtown or Lumberton. And plan on being there for a few days.