Gov. McCrory declares state of emergency for all of NC

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Governor Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency for the Tar Heel state at a news conference Thursday afternoon, emphasizing the dangers of flooding in the state.

The governor said the nearly entire state will also be under a flood watch prior to the storm, with standing water and high saturation levels already a concern. He said the majority of weather-related deaths come from flooding. The governor also compared the current conditions to Hurricane Floyd in 1999, calling it a “one-two punch.”

McCrory said crews statewide are working to clear storm drains and remove downed trees. Crews in Wilmington were out near Oleander Drive and Carolina Beach Road again today clearing storm drains. A spokesman with the NCDOT said their crews were also helping that effort. McCrory also urged citizens to have their first aid kit and other necessities prepared, in case of power outages, etc.

“We are ready to respond to the worst of the worse, but hope we are over-prepared,” McCrory said. “The number one goal is to save lives.”

In the Cape Fear region, the storm that will hit the area before Joaquin’s potential impacts could leave the area with several inches of rain. Click here for the latest WWAY Tropical Update.