Four storm-related deaths reported in North Carolina following Ian

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Hurricane Ian wasn’t nearly as powerful when it made landfall Friday afternoon in South Carolina as it was when it moved ashore in Florida on Wednesday, but the storm was still responsible for four deaths in North Carolina.

According to Governor Roy Cooper, three of the deaths occurred Friday with one death taking place on Saturday.

“We mourn with the families of those who have died and urge everyone to be cautious while cleaning up to avoid more deaths or injuries,” Governor Cooper said.

A 25-year-old man died Friday when he lost control of his vehicle on Raleigh Road in Johnston County and hydroplaned into another vehicle in stormy conditions. Another crash Friday afternoon in Clayton resulted in the death of a 24-year-old woman.

A 22-year-old man drowned in Martin County when his truck left the roadway and submerged in a flooded swamp Friday night. The fourth reported death was a 65-year-old man in Johnston County who died Saturday from carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator running in his closed garage while the power was out. His wife was hospitalized.

The State of North Carolina requested a federal emergency declaration Friday afternoon and it was granted early Saturday by President Biden and FEMA. The emergency declaration provides federal recovery support and reimbursement for emergency protective expenses incurred by state and local governments during the storm. Damage assessments that are beginning now will determine if Ian’s effects in North Carolina qualify for further federal assistance.