 Before affecting North Carolina , the threat of Carol prompted a hurricane warning from Wilmington to Manteo . Storm warnings were issued southward to Charleston . Residents evacuated north of Wilmington along the ocean . While passing by the state , the strongest winds remained to the east of Hurricane Carol , though winds of 90 to 100 mph ( 145 to 160 km / h ) were reported at Cape Hatteras . Further inland , the hurricane produced a wind gust of 55 mph ( 90 km / h ) in Wilmington and 65 mph ( 105 km / h ) in Cherry Point . The winds resulted in agricultural damage to the corn and soy bean crop . High winds caused minor damage to roofs and houses , and also downed some trees and power lines . Near the coast , waves from the storm damaged fishing piers , and flooding was reported in New Bern . High waves also damaged coastal roadways . Damage in the state totaled to around $ 228 @,@ 000 . Carol passed 100 miles ( 160 km ) to the east of Virginia , and produced 40 mph ( 65 km / h ) winds in Virginia Beach . The hurricane produced 4 inches ( 100 mm ) of rain in Norfolk . Further to the northwest , rainfall from the system alleviated drought conditions in the Washington , D.C. area . Damage was minor from Virginia to Delaware , where light rains fell . Precipitation also extended into Pennsylvania . 
