FREEPORT, Bahamas – At least seven deaths from Hurricane Dorian have been reported in the Bahamas, but the full scope of the disaster is still unknown. The storm’s winds and floodwaters have destroyed or severely damaged thousands of homes, crippled hospitals and trapped people in attics.

Lia Head-Rigby, who helps run a local hurricane relief group, flew over the Bahamas’ hard-hit Abaco Islands. She says, “It’s total devastation. It’s decimated. Apocalyptic.”

As Dorian exits the Bahamas, the Category 2 storm is turning toward the northwest as it heads for the North Carolina coast. A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the Wilmington area as Hurricane Dorian moves up the East Coast after causing catastrophic damage in the Bahamas.

A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for coastal Horry County, South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach.

Hurricane Dorian is expected to brush against the North Carolina coast Thursday and into Friday morning, prompting evacuations ahead of the storm.

Evacuations have been ordered for North Carolina’s barrier islands and several other coastal communities.