As North Carolina prepares for severe weather Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency.
The order waives truck weight, size and hours of service restrictions so vehicles carrying essential supplies — food, medicine or fuel or transporting livestock and crops — can reach areas of need expeditiously.
Heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding and wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour, as well as tornadoes, can be expected Jan. 9. It could result in power outages, due to downed power lines or felled trees.
“This storm system has the potential to bring high winds and other dangerous storm conditions to North Carolina, and people should be aware and take precautions,” Cooper said in a press release. “Be sure your emergency kits are up to date and pay attention to the weather in your area, especially any weather alerts such as flash flood warnings.”
The worst of the weather is expected to hit the coastal region Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night; schools in the tri-county region have announced closures or delays.
The state is working with utility and infrastructure partners to address any needs as they arise, according to emergency personnel. State officials advise these tips to make sure residents are prepared:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency info, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and download a weather app.
- Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you 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 your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
- Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
- Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
- Ensure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially with the potential for severe storms to be moving through during nighttime hours.
- Check to see if your community offers emergency alert services for its residents.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
The state of emergency can be viewed here.
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