As the storm track for Hurricane Matthew becomes more unpredictable, Governor Pat McCrory urged citizens to remain diligent in monitoring and preparation in the coming days.
“I am cautiously optimistic about Hurricane Matthew’s projected impacts on North Carolina compared to where we were a few days ago,” said Governor McCrory. “But there remains much uncertainty about the long-term storm track. Even if Matthew doesn’t make landfall in our state, this is a very large and powerful storm and we expect its impacts to be felt far away from the eye.”
Current forecasts call for winds of 45-55 miles per hour, with some higher gusts possible, along the southeast coast beginning sometime late Saturday morning. The Piedmont and northern Coastal Plain will see breezy conditions with gusts to 35 miles per hour.
Heavy rainfall of eight to 10 inches is expected in southeastern counties with one to three inches of rain expected along the I-95 corridor. The northeastern counties can expect to see one to two inches of rain offering them a potential respite from the recent heavy flooding.
While storm track models continue to predict Hurricane Matthew will trend further east and south over the weekend, recent significant changes in forecast models has led to lower confidence in the storm track beyond 72 hours.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” McCrory said. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for all North Carolinians and visitors to be sure they are prepared and continue to monitor this storm. Review your emergency plans with your family and update or restock supplies in your emergency kits”
While no counties have yet to issue mandatory evacuations for residents, Ocracoke Island has issued a mandatory evacuation for visitors. Governor McCrory is urging residents in eastern North Carolina to follow the directions of local officials and heed any evacuation orders that may be issued.
Department of Transportation crews are ready to clear roads of any storm-related debris, and North Carolina Emergency Management’s Helo-Aquatic and Swift Water rescue teams are on standby.
The governor is in constant communication with South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and the Army Corps of Engineers to support a coordinated response as needed.
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