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A line of strong storms moved across North Carolina Monday afternoon and evening devastating a regional airport, damaging dozens of homes, toppling trees, closing roads and leaving several western North Carolina communities without power.“While this band of storms brought high wind, rains and some damage, we’re fortunate that we’ve had no reports of serious injuries or loss of life,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Today, communities are surveying the damage and beginning the cleanup, and our state experts stand ready to help however needed.”

Governor Roy Cooper reminded North Carolinians to remain ready and aware as the state begins to feel rain and winds from Hurricane Irma later today. National Guard soldiers, Highway Patrol troopers and rescue teams are poised and ready to go if needed.“We’re grateful that the brunt of the storm will miss us, but our entire state will see some impacts from Irma and especially Western North Carolina,” Governor Cooper said. “Things are looking better for North Carolina, but we’re not out of the woods yet and we don’t want any surprises.”

North Carolina has opened three N.C. National Guard (NCNG) staging areas and five shelters in preparation for Hurricane Irma, Governor Cooper said today. The National Guard is positioning soldiers and equipment in Greensboro, Charlotte and Asheville. Gov. Cooper visited the Greensboro site Sunday.

Nonprofits operating in 13 hard-hit North Carolina counties will get $810,000 to help volunteers rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew, Governor Roy Cooper said today during a visit to Robeson and Columbus counties.Gov. Cooper announced the grants while visiting a flood-damaged home in Lumberton that was rebuilt by volunteers with the United Methodist Church.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order declaring a Type 1 disaster in Sampson County and the contiguous counties of Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Johnston, Pender, and Wayne.

The disaster declaration authorizes state emergency assistance grants to be dispersed to individuals and families in affected areas.

On May 30, 2017, Sampson and surrounding counties suffered damaging straight-line winds from severe thunderstorms. Residents in the area reported damaged or destroyed homes and businesses, downed trees, obstructed roads, and farm damage.

Governor Roy Cooper has received the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration he requested to help residents and business owners in southeastern North Carolina recover from the straight line winds and severe storms that struck Sampson County May 29.

“This was a powerful storm that pounded Sampson County, damaging homes, farms and other businesses,” Governor Cooper said. “Local officials responded to the storm immediately and are doing an excellent job leading the initial recovery efforts. Now the community needs our help to recover.”

Governor Roy Cooper encouraged continued collaboration to secure additional federal funding for Hurricane Matthew recovery in a meeting held yesterday with members of North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation. Gov. Cooper met with Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and Representatives Adams, Butterfield, Foxx, Holding, Hudson, Price, McHenry, Meadows, Pittenger, Rouzer, and Walker.

Mike Sprayberry, NC Emergency Management Director and Dempsey Benton, Director of the Governor’s Hurricane Recovery Office will meet with local officials to discuss progress in recovery from Hurricane Matthew and visit several properties damaged by the flooding.

Governor Cooper today expressed his disappointment in the Trump Administration and Congressional leadership after they failed to fulfill North Carolina’s funding request for Hurricane Matthew recovery. In a letter, Cooper urged for more robust aid, especially in the form of housing block grants from HUD, in the upcoming budget process. That letter can be read here.

With many communities still recovering from Hurricane Matthew, Governor Roy Cooper today reminded North Carolinians to get ready for another hurricane season.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and to encourage residents to prepare, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed May 7-13 as Hurricane Preparedness Week.