Susanna Davis Director, Legislative Affairs | North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Susanna Davis Director, Legislative Affairs | North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Today, Governor Josh Stein and emergency officials provided updates on the severe weather affecting North Carolina. Residents are being urged to prepare for thunderstorms, heavy rain, isolated tornadoes, and strong wind gusts as the storm moves eastward. Citizens should stay informed through emergency alerts and have a plan to seek shelter if necessary.
Governor Stein stated, “Our State Emergency Response Team is in contact with its partners across the state and ready to respond with any tool at its disposal to keep North Carolinians safe through this severe weather.” He advised residents to monitor local weather forecasts, enable emergency alerts on their phones, and be prepared to take immediate cover if a tornado warning is issued.
The governor's office shared several preparedness tips: During severe weather, individuals should move inside a sturdy structure away from windows. Outdoor items should be secured to prevent them from becoming airborne in high winds. It is also important to keep cell phones charged and have emergency alerts enabled.
A tornado watch has been issued for 24 counties across the Triangle area extending to the coastal plain until 1:00 pm. Structural damage from winds has been reported in Union County, where state emergency management officials are coordinating with local teams for assistance.
Additionally, a Wind Advisory is in effect for much of North Carolina through Wednesday evening. The Outer Banks will remain under advisory until 10:00 p.m. Wednesday. A High Wind Warning is active for higher elevations in the mountains until early Wednesday afternoon due to expected gusts up to 70 mph.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has expanded the Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) westward into western central North Carolina while maintaining it for the eastern half of the state. A Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) covers the foothills region. Primary concerns include damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph and potential strong tornadoes, particularly in eastern North Carolina.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is effective through 1:00 a.m. Thursday for Ocracoke & Hatteras Islands and parts of the northern Outer Banks due to expected minor soundside flooding near shorelines and tidal waterways. Minor ocean overwash may occur along vulnerable sections of the coast.
North Carolinians are encouraged to pay attention to local forecasts and make appropriate plans based on their area's risk level.
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