Governor Roy Cooper is urging coastal residents and visitors to monitor closely the weather forecast and pay careful attention to any directions from local officials as North Carolina prepares for its first tropical storm of the season. Earlier today, the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the state’s southern coast and a Tropical Storm Warning for the northern coast.
"The good news is that, so far, this appears to be a fast-moving system that will not dampen plans for the Labor Day weekend," said Governor Cooper. "However, we know from experience how quickly these storms can change and we want everyone to be cautious and prepared."
Located about 75 miles south, southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, Potential Tropical Cyclone Ten is expected to strengthen into a named tropical storm within the next 24 hours. The current forecast calls for the storm to pick up speed as it skims along the North Carolina coast before heading out to sea Tuesday evening. Meteorologists are predicting rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches through Wednesday for areas east of I-95 with locally higher amounts possible. Winds of 35 to 45 miles per hour with higher gusts and dangerous surf also are expected along the coast. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, especially along coastal areas.
High water has already suspended ferry service on the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach route for the rest of Monday, and the 6:30 p.m. trip from Cedar Island to Ocracoke route has been canceled, also because of the weather.
As the storm approaches the coast, it is likely additional cancelations will take place on Tuesday. Passengers can get updates on Tuesday by calling one of the route terminals, or by checking the Ferry Division Twitter feed.
"Many North Carolinians are still recovering from Hurricane Matthew’s devastation last fall," Cooper said. "And we’ve watched sympathetically over the past few days as Texans struggle with the impacts of Hurricane Harvey. While this storm is not predicted to be that severe, we want everyone to take it seriously and ensure your family is prepared."
Also today, Governor Cooper declared September as North Carolina Preparedness Month and reminded residents to discuss their emergency plans and update their emergency supply kits. He urged residents and visitors to download the free ReadyNC app for real-time weather, flooding, traffic and shelter information.
State Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry said local and state emergency service officials are coordinating plans to ensure they have what they need and to be sure their teams and supplies are ready.
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