NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene as North Carolina prepares for severe weather impacts that could threaten life and property across the state through Saturday morning.
Helene is forecast to cause significant impacts including flash flooding, numerous landslides, damaging debris flows, slope failures across steep terrain, and riverine flooding across portions of western NC and portions of central NC.
Flooding may occur in areas that do not typically flood. Tropical Storm force winds are possible across western North Carolina late Thursday into Friday. With already saturated soils, trees could fall causing widespread power outages.
There is potential for tornadoes with this storm system. Tornadoes from tropical systems can quickly spin up with little warning.
The WFMY News 2 Weather Team is tracking the storm too to see what impacts from rain and wind we could see as the storm moves northward on Friday to end the week. They expect rough rain and wind at times and have issued a WFMY News 2 Weather Impact Alert Day.
North Carolina residents are advised to stay aware and keep a watch on the forecast. State officials advise these tips to make sure your family is personally prepared:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and monitor local news outlets and the National Weather Service.
- Ensure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially with the potential for severe storms to be moving through during nighttime hours.
- Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
- Gather emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
- Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Turn around. Don’t drown.
- Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
- Check to see if your local emergency management office offers emergency alert services for its residents. You can visit your county government website for more information.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you do not need to drive, stay home. You can find current roadway conditions by visiting DriveNC.Gov.
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