Governor Pat McCrory is cautioning residents and visitors to closely monitor the weather forecast and to pay careful attention to directions from local officials as the second tropical system in less than a week heads towards North Carolina’s coast.
“It’s too soon to tell exactly what impact this may have on North Carolina residents and visitors over the next several days, but we want everyone to pay attention, stay prepared and be cautious," said Governor McCrory. “We know from experience that the storm tracks can shift quickly, as we saw 20 years ago when Hurricane Fran devastated portions of coastal and central North Carolina. While this storm is not predicted to be that severe, we want everyone to take it seriously and ensure that your family is prepared.”
Located about 400 miles southwest of Tampa, Tropical Storm Hermine is predicted to make landfall along Florida’s panhandle overnight Thursday. The current forecast calls for the storm to continue to move northeast, tracking along the coast of South and North Carolina Friday through Saturday. Meteorologists are predicting rainfall amounts of 2-7 inches over the weekend along much of the coast. Locally heavy downpours, strong rip currents and increased wave heights are also expected for Friday and Saturday along North Carolina’s coast.
Last week, Governor McCrory declared September as North Carolina Preparedness Month and reminded residents to discuss their emergency plans and update their emergency supply kits. He also 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 have been coordinating plans all week to ensure they have what they need and to be sure their teams and supplies are ready.
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