UPDATE 8/2/2020 2:30pm:
Hurricane Isaias has just been downgraded to Tropical Storm Isaias.
The storm has shifted slightly west and is now expected to pass right through the heart of North Carolina:
Original Article 8/1/2020 10:30am:
Governor Roy Cooper has just declared a state of emergency for North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Isaias’ expected landfall on Monday.
The Hurricane’s current forecast is showing the storm increasing in intensity over the next 24 hours and is now expected to reach North Carolina as early as Monday morning, making its greatest impact Monday night into Tuesday. Our state is already seeing extremely high risk of deadly rip currents all along the coast.
“A hurricane during a pandemic is double trouble, but the state has been carefully preparing for this scenario so we can do our best to keep people safe from the weather, as well as the virus,” the governer said in yesterday’s briefing.
You can watch the entire media briefing here:
“Although the track and arrival of the hurricane could still change, now is the time for North Carolinians to prepare,” said Governor Cooper. “Hurricane preparations will be different given the COVID-19 pandemic, and families need to keep that in mind as they get ready.”
Officials are reminding all residents in Atlantic Coast states to prepare.
In case of a power outage, make sure to have the following emergency items stocked in your home;
- Car charger for cell phones and other devices
- Clean drinking water (recommended 1 gallon per person per day, minimum three days)
- Flashlights
- Batteries: Extra batteries for all of your devices
- Weather radio/clock
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
We will continue to update this article as this storm develops.