Gov. McCrory declares State of Emergency

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Governor McCrory declared a state of emergency for 33 eastern counties in the state ahead of Hurricane Hermine.

The Governor also issued an executive order that waives certain truck restrictions on weight and hours of service to allow quicker storm response.

Counties include:  Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Gates, Greene, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Washington and Wayne counties.

According to a release from the Governor’s office, the Governor was at the Emergency Operations Center to meet with Public Safety Secretary Frank Perry and state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry to discuss storm preparations and equipment and staffing support.

The governor is urging North Carolina residents and visitors to be prepared for heavy rains, possible flooding, and gusty winds due to the storm set to pass Friday night and early Saturday.

Governor McCrory says, “We are working together across multiple agencies throughout North Carolina to make sure we are over prepared and underwhelmed for this storm because we want people to safely enjoy their Labor Day vacation in North Carolina. Safety always remains our top priority.”

Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry said National Guard soldiers, Highway Patrol troopers, and Department of Transportation crews have been mobilized across the state and are ready to respond when needed.

Secretary Perry says, “We want everyone to be extremely careful on the road and remember to ‘Turn Around, don’t drown.’.”

The latest forecast calls for heavy rainfall across central and eastern North Carolina with potential for flash flooding and gusty winds, as well as isolated tornadoes. During the next three days, the Sandhills, Triangle, and Rocky Mount areas could see 1-3 inches. The I-95 corridor could see 4 to 6 inches and coastal plain counties 4 to 8 inches. The eastern part of the state is expected to feel the greatest impacts, where flooding in low-lying areas and gusty winds could lead to downed trees and power outages. Along with coastal flooding, minor ocean overwash, and erosion along beaches.

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