Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina as Hurricane Ian approaches. | National Hurricane Center/Wikimedia Commons
Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina as Hurricane Ian approaches. | National Hurricane Center/Wikimedia Commons
Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) and state emergency management officials announced that North Carolina is now under a State of Emergency as Hurricane Ian approaches.
"A State of Emergency [declaration] is needed now so that farmers and those preparing for the storm can more quickly get ready for the heavy rain that is likely to fall in much of our state," Cooper told WXII.
The governor warned residents to stay up-to-date on storm projections as the remnants of Hurricane Ian cross the Atlantic Ocean and make a second landfall in southeastern states.
"North Carolinians should stay aware, keep a close eye on the forecast, and prepare their emergency supplies," Cooper said.
"Heavy rains, up to seven inches in some areas, are likely to bring some flooding," the governor said in a press release on Thursday. "Landslides are a threat in our mountains and there's a chance of tornadoes statewide. Coastal flooding and gusty winds are likely as the storm passes through. This storm is still dangerous."
Heavy rainfall is forecast for Friday and Saturday, with possible flash flooding and tornadoes, the press release noted. Members of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) gathered at the State of North Carolina Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh on Thursday. The SERT team plans to begin 24-hour operations starting on Friday morning.
Officials advised people to have multiple ways to receive emergency info and news about the storm, according to the press release. State residents should ensure that their family has safe drinking water and emergency kits.
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