NORTH CAROLINA — Ian has claimed the lives of four people in North Carolina since Friday morning, according to state officials.
Three of the four victims died from driving-related incidents.
A 25-year-old man died in a car crash Friday after he hydroplaned into another vehicle in stormy conditions on Raleigh Road in Johnston County, according to a release from Gov. Roy Cooper's office.
In Clayton, a 24-year-old woman was killed when her vehicle went off the road and hit a tree Friday afternoon.
A 22-year-old man drowned Friday night in Martin County when his truck went off the road and became submerged in a swamp.
Also in Johnston County, a 65-year-old man died Saturday from carbon monoxide poisoning while running a generator in his garage. The victim's wife was hospitalized.
Officials warn that generators should always be used outside and away from houses to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide.
“We mourn with the families of those who have died and urge everyone to be cautious while cleaning up to avoid more deaths or injuries,” Governor Roy Cooper said in a news release.
Cleanup from Ian continues across the state and utility workers are repairing electrical lines. Many North Carolinians lost power as the storm moved across the state, downing trees and damaging power lines.
The estimated statewide power outages totaled to 418,000 at 11 p.m. Friday night, according to electric utilities, but that number was down to 210,000 by 1 p.m. Saturday.
"The State of North Carolina requested a federal emergency declaration Friday afternoon and it was granted early Saturday by President Biden and FEMA," the release from Cooper's office states. "The emergency declaration provides federal recovery support and reimbursement for emergency protective expenses incurred by state and local governments during the storm. Damage assessments that are beginning now will determine if Ian’s effects in North Carolina qualify for further federal assistance."