Gordon stayed on that track until November 17 , when it became Hurricane Gordon while it was about 245 miles southeast of Cape Fear , North Carolina . Shortly after becoming a hurricane it reached top winds of 85 mph and then brushed the coast of North Carolina . However , Hurricane Hunters reported strong winds in excess of 90 mph ( 145 km\/h ) within the deep convection , and late on November 17 Gordon attained hurricane status while located about 245 miles ( 345 km ) southeast of Cape Fear , North Carolina ; shortly thereafter the hurricane reached peak winds of 85 mph ( 140 km\/h ) .