Governor Declares State Of Emergency For NC Ahead Of Hurricane

CHARLOTTE, NC — Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Michael, which is expected to deliver high winds and torrential rain to the state Thursday.

“I’m taking action to get North Carolina ready for Hurricane Michael, and I encourage people across our state to get ready as well,” Cooper said Thursday. “Make no mistake—Hurricane Michael is a dreadful storm, and it poses serious risks to North Carolina.”

Cooper’s executive order declares a state of emergency in 66 counties, and will be expanded to others as needed, according to the governor’s office. The declaration activates a state law against price gouging and is a necessary first step for residents in need of requesting federal and state aid. (Stay on top of all the latest Hurricane Michael news with our free, real-time news alerts, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Hurricane Michael was packing "extremely dangerous" 155 mph winds as the category 4 storm came ashore along the coast of the Florida Panhandle near Mexico Beach, Florida Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center. Michael ripped roofs from homes, carried life-threatening storm surge, hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall as it slammed into Florida. By 4 p.m. ET, the winds had dropped only slightly to 140 mph.

In North Carolina, a tropical storm warning is in effect for Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties. A tropical storm watch is in effect for several counties in the sandhills, and eastern portion of the state.

Of primary concern for state officials is the damage Michael could inflict in a state already left waterlogged and reeling from devastation brought by Hurricane Florence less than one month ago.

Gusty tropical force winds could bring down trees left weakened by Florence or rip away tarps from damaged roofs awaiting repair, the governor’s office said. Torrential rains expected to bring as much as 7 inches of precipitation in central North Carolina could also lead to flash flooding and river flooding.

“The last thing people cleaning up from Florence need right now is more wind and rain. But this storm is coming, and we will be ready for it,” Gov. Cooper said.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Michael: NC Waits As ‘Monstrous’ Storm Slams Florida
• ‘Hurricane Weary’ North Carolina Bracing For Michael's Rain

Patch Editor Paul Scicchitano contributed

Main photo:The storm surge and waves from Hurricane Michael batter the beachfront homes on October 10, 2018 in the Florida Panhandle community of Shell Point Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)