As Tropical Storm Michael’s punishing winds and rains sweep across North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the storm has claimed the life of a man who died this afternoon in Iredell County when a tree fell on his vehicle.
Governor Cooper warned all North Carolinians to remain cautious and alert and to avoid going out in the storm if possible
“As night falls, please don’t go out unless you have to,” Gov. Cooper said. “Falling trees and rising waters, along with landslides in our mountains, are making travel difficult and even life-threatening in some areas.”
Flooding remains a serious threat. Heavy rains-- up to 7 inches in some areas--are causing creeks and rivers to swell and flood—especially the Catawba, Rocky, Haw and Tar rivers. Flash flooding is occurring in some cities, including Charlotte, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Dozens of swift water rescues and evacuations have taken place today in counties including Guilford, Forsyth, Iredell, Henderson and Burke. High winds up to 60 mph are bringing down trees and power lines.
Most of North Carolina is still under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flash Flood Watch, and some eastern counties remain under a Tornado Watch. Storm surge remains a threat to our coast and sounds. Tropical Storm Michael is expected to clear North Carolina by midday Friday.
“Tomorrow, when the skies clear and the winds die down, we can get back to the work of rebuilding and recovery,” Gov. Cooper said. “But tonight, I urge people to hunker down and stay safe until Michael blows through.”
Power Outages/Road Closures
About 529,000 housholds in North Carolina are without power as of 6:20 p.m., with outages concentrated in the Piedmont counties. State transportation officials report 119 closed roads associated with Tropical Storm Michael, including nine primary roads.
Resources on Hand to Respond to the Storm
To prepare for the storm, Governor Cooper yesterday issued a State of Emergency and waived certain transportation rules. He also activated 150 National Guard soldiers to preserve life and safety, clear roads and support communications and logistics. North Carolina Emergency Management has staged supplies and equipment strategically to respond to the storm, and first responders remain ready across the state. From midnight-4 p.m., the State Highway Patrol has responded to 450 collisions and 780 calls for service. More than 2,100 state transportation employees are on stand-by to respond to Tropical Storm Michael.
2-1-1 Call Line Open 24/7 for People in Need of Help
The statewide NC 211 information line can provide callers with nearby shelter, housing and other storm-related details. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to reach this information line, which is staffed around the clock to connect North Carolinians to storm and other resources.
Follow NC Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter for weather updates and to learn how you can recover following the storm.