State of Emergency declared in North Carolina ahead of Tropical Storm Debby

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a State of Emergency in North Carolina ahead of Tropical Storm Debby.

According to the governor’s office, Tropical Storm Debby has the potential for life threatening flash flooding , riverine flooding, wind gusts up to 40 mph, coastal impacts and other effects.

“This weather has the potential to bring intense rain and flooding to North Carolina and we are preparing for it,” Cooper said in a statement. “As the weather becomes more severe, I urge everyone to take precautions and stay safe.”

The order activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and allows for the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to take the appropriate action to ensure the expeditious movement of utility vehicles to eliminate power outages, vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel or transporting livestock, poultry, and crops, according to the governor’s office.

The governor and NC Emergency Management officials are urging North Carolina residents to be safe and cautious during heavy rainfall and winds, and to expect flooding and power outages, as a strong weather system will impact the state starting Tuesday through the end of the week. According to the governor’s office, damaging winds and saturated soils might also lead to blown down trees and power lines, causing possible scattered to widespread power outages.

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