Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon ahead of Debby, which is expected to bring a large amount of rain to parts of the state throughout the week.

Anticipating the storm, the governor’s state of emergency initiates operation plans and suspends select transportation rules to expedite the movement of essential supplies.

The emergency mode is beneficial for first responders, farmers, and protects against price gouging. The governor can call up the national guard if and when needed because of the declaration.

Cooper asked residents to monitor the forecast carefully and restock whatever emergency supplies they may need.

The storm is expected to move northward, and start impacting the Tar Heel state with rain Tuesday and Wednesday as it moves closer to the Carolinas, and is expected to arrive later in the week. 

As North Carolina braces for impacts from the storm’s remnants, the governor and emergency officials offered these tips to help people be prepared:

• Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on a cell phone and download a weather app

• Have an emergency plan. Know where to go if there’s a need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort

• Gather some emergency supplies or refresh an emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit

• If people live at the coast, be aware if you live in a coastal evacuation zone. Visit KnowYourZone.nc.gov to see if you are located in a pre-determined evacuation zone. Learn your zone and listen for it if evacuations are ordered by local governments

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