Topics Related to Hurricane Florence

As Hurricane Florence Continues to Intensify, Evacuations Begin in Coastal Areas

With Hurricane Florence now a category 4 hurricane, Governor Roy Cooper this evening urged North Carolina residents, businesses and visitors not to delay preparations and to follow evacuation orders. The storm is expected to make landfall near Wilmington on Thursday with impacts starting Wednesday.

“We face three critical threats from Florence: ocean surge along our coast, strong winds, and inland flooding from heavy rain,” Governor Cooper said. “Wherever you live in North Carolina, you need to get ready for this storm now and you need to evacuate if asked to.”

Joint Information Center Open to Provide Hurricane Florence Information

The State Emergency Response Team has activated the Joint Information Center in response to the potential threats to North Carolina from Hurricane Florence.

Located in the State Emergency Operations Center at 1636 Gold Star Drive in Raleigh, the JIC will coordinate the release of information regarding state storm preparation and response. Individuals are on duty to gather the latest information and assist reporters interested in covering the state’s response to the storm. Additionally, state officials will use this center to conduct media briefings as needed.

North Carolina Readies for Florence as Storm Strengthens Today

With the latest forecast showing Florence likely to grow in strength and threaten the East Coast, Governor Roy Cooper today urged all North Carolina residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for the storm. The latest forecast from National Hurricane Center shows Florence becoming a major hurricane by early in the week and tracking toward the southeastern United States by later in the week.

Gov. Cooper Issues Emergency Orders in Advance of Storm to Help Farmers

With Tropical Storm Florence forecast to strengthen as it heads toward the East Coast, Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency and waived transportation rules to help farmers harvest and transport their crops more quickly.

“While it’s still too early to know the storm’s path, we know we have to be prepared,” Gov. Cooper said. “During harvest, time is of the essence. Action today can avoid losses due to Florence.” 

North Carolina Monitoring Florence Closely, Preparing for Any Impacts

While the track of Tropical Storm Florence remains uncertain, state and local emergency management officials are already taking steps to prepare for potential impacts to North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper today encouraged North Carolinians to use the weekend to update their own emergency plans and supplies.