NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Gov. Roy Cooper urged North Carolinians to prepare for Hurricane Helene during a briefing on Thursday. He referred to the storm as "unusually dangerous" and said it could potentially bring catastrophic flooding tonight and tomorrow.
The storm is also expected to bring landslides to the western part of our state. The governor's office warns that residents should be prepared for thunderstorms, heavy rain and possible tornadoes.
Swiftwater rescue teams from the Piedmont Triad have already been deployed to the region.
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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