Watch a livestream of Hurricane Florence bearing down on North Carolina

This is why you don't mess with Mother Nature.

Hurricane Florence is beginning to bear down on the Carolinas with heavy winds and rising tides. Weather forecasts estimate that the Category 2 storm could dump 17 trillion gallons of rain on the East Coast.

Here's a live look at the hurricane's force:

A camera at the Frying Pan Tower located 34 miles off the coast of Cape Fear, North Carolina has been livestreaming a view of the Atlantic Ocean since May, and is powering through the storm to dutifully record an American flag over the rising waves.

By Thursday morning, the wind and rain tore the flag down the stripes all the way to the pole.

At the time of writing, over 116,000 people were watching the storm approach the tower, which "is a privately owned surplus Coast Guard Light Station," that also doubles as a "unique adventure bed & breakfast" when the weather is more appropriate.

Another live stream at Wilmington Tower, which usually broadcasts sweeping views of the North Carolina landscape, shows storm clouds rolling in over the ocean.

If you've ever wanted to experience a hurricane from the safety of your screen, now's the chance!