RALEIGH, N.C. — Friday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian. Cooper says that allows for relief efforts and waives certain transportation restrictions ahead of Dorian.
The order will also help farmers harvest and transport crops quickly in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Dorian.
Governor Cooper urged North Carolinians today to pay close attention to Hurricane Dorian, and make sure they are ready for its possible impacts expected by the middle of the week.
Sunday during a news conference, Governor Cooper urged everyone to prepare now. “North Carolina has endured flooding from two strong hurricanes in less than three years,” said Governor Cooper. “Now is the time to prepare for Dorian. To the people of North Carolina, particularly those still recovering in the eastern part of our state, we are working hard to prepare and we are with you.”
The latest forecast puts the storm off the North Carolina coast on Thursday morning. The state would begin feeling the storm’s winds and rains on Wednesday, Cooper said. State emergency officials are preparing for Dorian by coordinating with FEMA, surrounding states and local governments so that personnel and equipment are ready to respond.
North Carolina Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry explained that the state has water rescue teams, sheltering teams, supplies and many other resources staged and ready for the storm
The state is also under the price gouging law ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
“As Hurricane Dorian approaches, North Carolina is under a state of emergency and our price gouging law is in effect,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “It is illegal to charge excessive prices during a state of emergency. If you see a business taking advantage of this storm, let my office know so we can hold them accountable and protect you from price gougers.”
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The state has a strong statute against price gouging charging too much during a time of crisis. The statue is now in effect for the entire state.
State emergency officials are watching Hurricane Dorian closely. Gov. Cooper said you should be prepared for impacts from Dorian and future disasters.
“Hurricane Dorian tracking toward the coast of Florida is a timely reminder to get your emergency plans and supplies ready,” Governor Cooper said. “North Carolinians should make sure they are ready for this storm and for all types of emergencies and disasters.”
Prepare by taking time to:
- Review your family’s emergency plan and know your evacuation routes.
- Check your emergency supply kit, which should contain food, water, medicines, charging cords, batteries, and other essentials.
- Make sure your insurance is up to date. Consider purchasing flood insurance if you do not have it since flood insurance policies do not take effect until 30 days after purchase.
RELATED: HURRICANE GUIDE | Be Storm Ready, Prepare Now, Safety And Other Vital Emergency Information
Just last year, North Carolina experienced many types of disasters, including Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Michael, 20 tornado touchdowns, 184 flood incidents, 137 severe thunderstorms, landslides, and snowstorms.
