As North Carolina prepares for possible impacts from Hurricane Helene, Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday issued a State of Emergency.

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Current models show Helene bringing the possibility of flooding and tornadoes to the western and central portions of North Carolina on Thursday night into Friday. Along with the flood risk, officials say saturated grounds from heavy rain plus tropical storm force winds could lead to downed trees, power outages and other damage across large portions of the state.

That is why Cooper and other emergency management officials say now is the time to prepare.

“Helene threatens heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds to the mountains and Piedmont areas of our state,” Cooper said in a release Wednesday. “Now is the time for North Carolinians to prepare, make sure emergency kits are up-to-date and pay attention to the weather alerts in your area.” 

The State Emergency Response Team is already in the process of deploying equipment, personnel and resources to help areas facing the greatest threat from the coming storm.

Residents across the state are also asked to stay informed of local forecasts and warnings and to take the following steps to ensure they are prepared.

  • Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cellphone and monitor local new outlets and the National Weather Service
  • Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate, especially if you live in a flood-prone area
  • Gather emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for information on how to build an emergency kit
  • Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Turn around. Don’t drown
  • Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area
  • Check whether your local emergency management office offers emergency alert services for residents. Visit your county government website for more information
  • Avoid unnecessary travel. If you do not need to drive, stay home. You can find current roadway conditions by visiting DriveNC.gov

"The State of Emergency facilitates state emergency operations and allows for the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to take action to ensure the quick movement of utility vehicles to eliminate power outages, vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine and fuel or transporting livestock, poultry and crops," according to the release.