As hurricane Helene nears the Florida panhandle, the governors of North Carolina and South Carolina have both declared states of emergency ahead of widespread rain, wind, and flooding.
Authorities strongly advice residents remain alert, especially with the risk of tornadoes and falling trees due to saturated soils.
Today, 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 North Carolina through Saturday morning. Read the full release ➡️ https://t.co/s33oIuQgnV pic.twitter.com/1xcLFkANvw
— NC Emergency Management (@NCEmergency) September 25, 2024
Particularly vulnerable areas in western North Carolina are being warned about landslides, debris flows, and flash flooding, making preparation essential. North Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team has deployed resources such as swift water rescue teams and urban search and rescue personnel. NOAA has issued a rare and urgent alert for the NC mountains:
URGENT: Residents across the Western Carolinas & NE GA need to prepare for catastrophic, life-threatening flooding. @NOAAComms has issued a rare news release due to the seriousness of this situation across the Southern Appalachians. https://t.co/az67w1tQkl #ncwx #scwx #gawx
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 25, 2024
Several areas around Asheville already started experiencing flooding last night:
Officials offer the following tips ahead of the hurricane’s landfall:
- Enable emergency alerts on your phone and monitor weather updates.
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially during the storm’s peak.
- Prepare or refresh your emergency kit with essential supplies.
- Never drive through flooded roads; always turn around.
- Know your local shelter options in case of evacuation.
- Be aware of potential tornadoes and know where to seek shelter.
