Gov. Cooper\'s remarks

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“We want to take this time to give you the latest updates on Hurricane Helene as it closes in on North Carolina. This is an unusually dangerous storm that threatens to bring heavy rain and potentially catastrophic flooding tonight and tomorrow for central and particularly western North Carolina.

When tropical weather crosses into our mountains, it can be deadly. Just a few years ago, Tropical Storm Fred shocked our mountain regions with torrential rain sweeping away homes, bridges and lives. With Helene, this can happen again. Just last week, we were reminded of the unpredictability of severe weather in North Carolina as a coastal storm brought 20 plus inches of rain on parts of southeastern North Carolina.

With Hurricane Helene, we have to be clear here. heavy rains and winds are coming. Beware and prepare. Travel will be dangerous. Flooding is likely, and we are preparing for unexpected conditions. Our thoughts are with our friends in Florida and other southern states that are being hit first, and our priority here is to protect lives and manage the impact of the storm on our communities here in our state.

As it arrives, Helene is forecast to bring more than a foot of rain to parts of western North Carolina, which will likely cause significant flash flooding, landslides, damaging debris flows, slope failures across steep terrain and river flooding. Even areas that don't typically experience it may see flooding. Cities like Charlotte and Asheville could see flash flooding despite not being in the storm's direct path.

To prepare, all North Carolinians should tune into weather alerts today and through the weekend. Tropical storm force winds are possible across western North Carolina later today and into Friday. With already saturated soils from earlier rains, falling trees could cause widespread power outages. As of this morning, there are about 14,000 estimated power outages statewide.

There is the potential for tornadoes with this storm system as well, which can quickly spin up with little warning. This storm path is wide and its impacts will be felt far from the center of the storm. The North Carolina State Emergency Operations Center is communicating with local leaders and emergency management teams across our state.

I've activated 175 soldiers and airmen from the North Carolina National Guard, and we've deployed North Carolina's swift water rescue teams and urban search and rescue teams to assist in the response and to save lives. Our Department of Transportation is standing ready to respond to road closures and repair the damage. We've spoken to Duke Energy and know that line workers are standing by to restore power.

Yesterday, I declared a state of emergency to help move supplies like water, food and medicine, heavy equipment and to support agricultural operations before the storm arrives. If you do not need to travel, please stay off the roadways, especially in the foothills and the mountains. Do not drive through flood waters.

We have lost too many North Carolinians who have driven around barricades and into flood waters, including one just last week in Brunswick County. You cannot tell the depth of water just by looking at it from your vehicle. Turn around. Don't drown.

If you are told to evacuate, get out of the danger zone. Make a plan now to stay with friends or family if you are in an area that could likely be flooded and I think that there are a number of these in the mountains that could be this way.

Please stay informed to protect yourself and your family.\"

9/26/2024

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