Ahead of Hurricane Ian’s remnants moving through North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, to activate the state’s emergency operations plan, waive transportation rules to help the movement of fuel and critical supplies, help first responders and the agriculture industry and protect consumers from price gouging.
North Carolina residents can expect heavy rainfall and possible flooding and tornadoes on Friday and Saturday from the remnants of Hurricane Ian. The State Emergency Response Team will activate on Thursday at the State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh and plans to move to 24-hour operations on Friday morning.
North Carolinians are advised to stay aware and keep a close eye on the forecast for the next several days. Much of North Carolina is forecast to see 2-5 inches (5-8 cm) late this week and weekend, but 5-7 inches or more will be possible near the coast and along the Blue Ridge area. These rainfall totals could lead to localized flash flooding, landslides in the mountains, and rises on main rivers.
The Governor and state officials advise these tips to make sure people are personally prepared:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on a cell phone and download a weather app.
- Have an emergency plan. Know where to go if there’s a need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.
- Gather some emergency supplies or refresh an emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov
for information on how to build an emergency kit. If people live at the coast, be aware if you live in a coastal evacuation zone. Visit KnowYourZone.nc.gov
- to see if you are located in a pre-determined evacuation zone. Learn your zone and listen for it if evacuations are ordered by local governments.
Visit ReadyNC.gov for additional information on weather preparation, as well as information on power outages. Visit DriveNC.gov for current travel conditions from NCDOT.