‘Hurricane Weary’ North Carolina Bracing For Michael's Rain

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina’s governor urged residents to pay attention to Hurricane Michael Tuesday as the strong category 2 storm currently churning in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to bring strong winds and rain to the Tar Heel state later this week.

In a press conference alongside NC Emergency Management officials, Gov. Roy Cooper said southeast North Carolina may experience tropical force winds that could be strong enough to rip tarps off damaged roofs. Heavy rains could also lead to flash flooding in areas where the ground remains saturated from last month’s Hurricane Florence, he added.

The State Emergency Operations Center will activate Wednesday to monitor Hurricane Michael, and NC Emergency Management staff are already coordinating with counties to identify resources potentially needed.

According to emergency officials, the heaviest rain will occur between Wednesday night and Friday morning, with the mountains receiving up to 3 inches, the Piedmont 3-5 inches and eastern portions of the state seeing 2-4 inches. Some portions of central North Carolina could receive up to 6 inches.

The storm will also create gusty winds that could topple trees and cause power outages. Storm surge is also a minor to moderate threat for beaches and the soundside of the Outer Banks that were already weakened from Hurricane Florence, NC Emergency Management said Tuesday.

The state continues to reel from the destruction of last month’s Hurricane Florence, that has been blamed for the deaths of 39 and catastrophic flooding throughout eastern North Carolina. As of Monday, more than 130 schools in the state remained closed due to damage from the hurricane, affecting almost 90,000 students, prompting Cooper to direct $25 million for the NC Education Lottery to aid in school repairs.

“I know people who weathered Florence last month and other storms before don’t want to even think about another one,” Cooper said. “But we have to. So I’m asking you to be watchful and alert, and to get ready.”

Unlike the rains from Hurricane Florence that churned over the state for days, Michael is expected to pass through North Carolina quickly with weather conditions improving by Friday, Cooper said.

“We know we have to be ready and hurricane weary North Carolinians cannot let their guard down,” Cooper said.

Here’s what emergency officials are urging North Carolina residents do to prepare:

• review emergency plans
• restock emergency supplies, including food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, and medications
• prepare for possible power outages
• stay tuned to local news and monitor weather forecasts closely
• know evacuation routes in case you are asked to leave
• plan in advance how to contact family and friends

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Michael: ‘Deep Plume’ Of Moisture Headed Toward NC

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Image via National Hurricane Center