Governor McCrory Urges Caution as Drenching Rains Continue to Soak State

Governor Pat McCrory urged North Carolinians to stay on alert as a variety of weather systems continue to produce heavy rains and gusty winds across the state.

“The forecast for North Carolina has improved during the past 24 hours and Hurricane Joaquin is expected stay out at sea,” Governor McCrory said. “However, we’re still vulnerable to power outages because of downed trees and landslides because the drenching rains of the past week have left the ground saturated and we’re forecasted to receive another 3 to 7 inches of rain.”

Although Hurricane Joaquin is no longer forecast to make landfall, Governor McCrory warned strong onshore winds from Joaquin could lead to coastal flooding, high seas, heavy surf, significant beach erosion and the possibility of overwash along the portions of the Outer Banks.

Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry said search and rescue teams as well as National Guard soldiers, Highway Patrol troopers and Department of Transportation (DOT) crews have been mobilized across the state and are ready to respond where needed.

“Life threatening flooding is a very real possibility,” cautioned Perry.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Secretary Nick Tennyson said crews are continuing to address impacts from the tremendous amount of rain that has fallen across our state.

“The possibility of localized flooding and downed trees remains a concern, and we urge everyone to continue using caution and avoid driving through areas of standing water,” Tennyson said.

As of 11:30 a.m., NCDOT’s Ferry Division has taken 485 vehicles and 1,097 passengers off of Ocracoke Island since the mandatory evacuation order was issued. The division was forced to suspend the Ocracoke-Cedar Island route this morning due to road flooding on Highway 12 on Cedar Island. Evacuees are being re-routed to Swan Quarter and Hatteras.

There are five vessels operating between Hatteras and Ocracoke and four vessels operating on the Pamlico.

Governor McCrory also pointed out the danger of potential landslides, which are more likely to occur when more than five inches of rainfall occurs during a 24-hour time period.

Teams from the North Carolina Geological Survey are on standby to respond if needed by state or local emergency management officials. They are equipped to provide on-site technical assistance when there are signs of potential landslides, as well as in the aftermath of a landslide.

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the rains are posing a threat to crops. He said North Carolina State University agriculture experts have estimated the peanut crop has already sustained $9 million of damage. He is also worried about the weather’s negative impact on the state’s tobacco crop, particularly in Eastern North Carolina where an estimated 25 percent of the crop remains in the field.

Troxler said farmers who need help during the severe weather can call 1-866-645-9403 for assistance.

For the latest information on the oncoming weather, citizens are asked to monitor local media and the National Weather Service. Information is also available at www.ReadyNC.org and at the ReadyNC mobile app which can be downloaded for free.

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