With Hurricane Erin drawing near, Governor Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina, taking preemptive measures to mitigate the impending cyclone's threats. According to the Governor's Office official press release, Governor Stein announced, "Hurricane Erin will bring threats of coastal flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf conditions." He urges residents along the coastline to prepare their emergency kits and heed local evacuation directives.
Mandatory evacuations are already in effect for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, with Hyde County and Dare County having declared Local States of Emergency. For those evacuating, a State Operated Disaster Shelter is open in Warren County at 113 Wilcox Street, pets included. The shelter serves as a refuge for those fleeing the storm's predicted impacts, which includes coastal flooding and waves potentially cresting between 15 to 20 feet, coupled with "life-threatening rip currents throughout the week," as per the Governor's Office.
The weather forecast anticipates Hurricane Erin will intensify over the next two days, turning north with tropical storm force winds expected to hit especially hard along the Outer Banks by midweek. Governor Stein's statement obtained by the Governor's Office puts emphasis on the importance of readiness: "Now is the time for North Carolinians to conduct final preparations along the coast." This implies an urgency for residents to solidify their safety plans before conditions deteriorate.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed. This means following credible sources like the National Weather Service and local media. They should also, have a robust disaster kit ready to grab-and-go, including essentials like medications and important documents. KnowYourZone.NC.Gov provides critical information on evacuation routes, while DriveNC.Gov offers real-time roadway conditions, emphasising the danger of driving through floodwaters with the stark "Turn around! Don’t drown!" message.
