Summary:
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a statewide State of Emergency on September 27, anticipating heavy rainfall and potential flooding from Tropical Depression 9/Imelda. This coincides with the anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, which devastated communities in 2024. The emergency declaration activates the State Emergency Response Team, mobilizing swift water rescue teams, National Guard, and logistical support. A significant landslide in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has already closed the Gatlinburg Bypass, highlighting immediate risks. Residents are urged to prepare emergency kits, monitor flood zones, and follow official guidance.
What This Means for You:
- Verify Flood Zones Immediately: Check your evacuation zone on KnowYourZone.NC.gov – coastal areas are at highest risk for storm surge.
- Activate Emergency Alerts: Enable wireless emergency alerts (WEA) on mobile devices and sign up for county-specific alerts via NCDPS.
- Avoid Flooded Roads: Use DriveNC.gov for real-time road closures; 2 feet of water can sweep vehicles away.
- High-Risk Outlook: Western NC faces heightened landslide risks following recent heavy rainfall – monitor park closures at NPS.gov.
Original Post:
Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency Sept. 27 as North Carolina prepares for impacts from Tropical Depression 9 or Imelda. Residents across the state should prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The declaration coincides with Western North Carolina communities marking the one-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused catastrophic damage.
A large landslide in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has already closed Gatlinburg Bypass indefinitely. The State Emergency Response Team is mobilizing swift water rescue teams, law enforcement, and National Guard units. Officials recommend these steps to stay safe:
- Monitor local flood gauges via FIMAN.
- Build an emergency kit with 72 hours of supplies.
- Never drive through flooded roadways – follow detour signs.
For real-time updates, visit DriveNC or follow NCDOT on social media. Preparedness resources are available at ReadyNC.
Extra Information:
Critical resources for North Carolinians:
- FEMA’s Disaster Kit Checklist details essential supplies for extreme weather events.
- NCDOT’s Storm Response Map tracks live road closures, debris removal crews, and floodwater levels.
People Also Ask About:
- Q: How long does a state of emergency last in NC?
A: Typically 30 days unless extended by executive order. - Q: Does NC insurance cover flood damage?
A: Requires separate flood insurance – most homeowners’ policies exclude it. - Q: What’s the fastest way to evacuate from Asheville?
A: Use I-40 westbound; alternate routes mapped via NC Evacuation Portal.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Susan Cutter, director at USC’s Hazards Vulnerability Lab, warns: “North Carolina’s topography amplifies flood risks. Urbanization in mountain valleys increases runoff, while climate change extends rainfall patterns. This is no longer a ‘coastal-only’ issue – communities must adopt integrated floodplain management strategies.”
Key Terms:
- North Carolina state of emergency declaration
- Great Smoky Mountains landslide risks
- Tropical storm preparedness checklist for NC
- Swift water rescue team deployment
- FEMA flood zone mapping updates
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
