‘This Storm Is A Monster’: NC Governor Orders Coastal Evacuation

As Hurricane Florence continues to advance on the coastline of North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper ordered the mandatory evacuation of all of the state’s barrier islands Tuesday afternoon.

"This storm is a monster," Cooper told reporters at a news conference Sept. 11. "It’s big and it’s vicious. It is an extremely dangerous, life threatening, historic hurricane."

Cooper urged residents to take the storm seriously, saying the storm would not blow over “in a matter of hours,” and said that residents needed to have supplies on hand to last for several days.

Cooper’s evacuation order comes as the list of coastal communities issuing their own mandatory evacuations grew Tuesday.

“The waves and wind in this storm may be like nothing you have ever seen,” Cooper said. “Even if you’ve ridden out storms before, this one is different. Don't bet your life on riding out this monster.”

Monday evening, President Trump approved Cooper’s request for a federal disaster declaration for North Carolina, which will speed federal aid and FEMA relief assistance for the state.

As of 2 p.m. Sept. 11, the Category 4 hurricane was located about 845 miles east-southeast of Cape Fear, N.C. with sustained wind speeds of about 130 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

State emergency officials warned all residents to prepare for extended rain and wind, and said the storm is expected to stall out once it makes landfall, dumping as much as 20-30 inches of rain.

The timing of the storm, less than a week after the remnants of Hurricane Gordon pushed through the region and saturated state riverways, is less than ideal.

Speaking in Washington Tuesday, FEMA Administrator Brock Long had a sobering prediction for state residents in some areas to be affected by Florence: “The power is going to be off for weeks,” he said.

Everyone in North Carolina needs to get ready for the storm, emergency management officials urged:

• Prepare to lose power for several days or weeks.
• Gather your emergency supply kits with enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three to seven days.
• Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include cell phone charger, prescription medicines, copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
• Know your evacuation route, and find out where friends and loved ones will be and how to get in touch with them.
• Plan for your pets. Gather supplies for your pets and put them in an easily-accessible container.
• Prepare your home. Clean out gutters and clear property of debris that could damage buildings in strong winds.
• Stay tuned to local news for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC), as well as state and local emergency management officials.

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations for Hurricane Florence damage. Contributions will be distributed by the United Way of North Carolina. You can find more information here.

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Patch Editor Dan Hampton contributed

Main image via National Weather Service