RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — NASA astronaut Christina Koch is one of eight recipients to receive the North Carolina Award this year, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including public service, literature, science, and the arts.

Koch, who set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, is being recognized with the highest civilian honor awarded by the state.

North Carolina State University alumna Christina Koch will be honored with the state's highest civilian award, the North Carolina Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the state and nation.

On Thursday at 7:29 a.m. a coastal flood advisory was issued by the NWS Wilmington NC. The advisory is for Coastal Pender, Coastal New Hanover and Coastal Brunswick.

A coastal storm, combined with King Tides are causing flooding problems for the Carolinas heading into the weekend. The rain event is also bringing the first substantial rainfall to western North Carolina since Hurricane Helene.

Heavy rain fell across parts of western North Carlina on Thursday for the first time since the devastating flooding event from Hurricane Helene and many continue to rebuild their homes.