RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Govorner Roy Cooper provided an update Monday afternoon on emergency preparations ahead of Isaias.
Cooper declared a state of emergency Friday and released guidelines for evacuations and sheltering information for COVID-19.
Isaias is continuing its path toward North Carolina and will impact coastal and Eastern N.C. the hardest, though some impacts will be felt in the Triad in the form of wind and rain.
“Don't let concerns about COVID-19 prevent your evacuation. Evacuate the shortest distance possible to get out of the impacted area,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in Monday’s press conference. “Find places to stay with family or friends, if you can’t do that stay at a hotel.”
Emergency leaders said if ordered to evacuate by your local officials, evacuate promptly as directed.
Cooper said shelters will screen people for coronavirus symptoms before allowing entry and will be available for those who need them.
“If someone has COVID-19 or shows symptoms, they will be directed to a sheltering option for isolation or medical attention,” Cooper said. “Shelters will have PPE and will honor social distancing.”
Emergency leaders said to stay inside during heavy winds and watch for tornadoes. Leaders said hurricane warnings have been issued for Pender, Brunswick and New Hanover County.
The beaches from Myrtle Beach up to the Outer Banks of North Carolina are at greatest risk for significant wind/rain and storm surge. It's likely that Isaias comes ashore between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington late Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Here in the Piedmont Triad, it appears unlikely that we'll have significant impacts but, it is likely that we get some rain and wind.
Power companies are expecting widespread power outages, said Director Mike Sprayberry.
The emergency management team said to stay off roads tonight unless it absolutely necessary to travel or you are ordered to evacuate.
Hazards like flooded roads and downed trees and power lines will be difficult to see in the rain and darkness, leaders said.
Emergency leaders recommend visiting your local county government website or calling 2-1-1 for instructions on sheltering options.