Hurricane Joaquin, now a dangerous Category Four storm, is still highly unpredictable. In preparation for potentially severe weather and heavy flooding, Governor Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency for all 100 counties in North Carolina.
The forecast tracks for Joaquin vary, but meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center and state emergency management officials say the sheer volume of rainfall could lead to dangerous flooding in southeastern North Carolina. Trees will be more vulnerable to falling – possibly taking power lines down with them – because the ground is saturated from recent heavy rains.
At a press conference Thursday morning, Governor Pat McCrory announced that activation of the state’s emergency operations center gets underway Friday morning. He also emphasized what he considers the greatest threat to public safety.
"Please encourage the adults and especially the kids to stay away from flooded roads or areas. I cannot stress this enough. Most storm-related deaths – most storm-related deaths are due to drowning. So remember: don’t try to make it through what you think is a puddle at intersection, because what you think is a puddle could be a heavily-flooded area that could kill you and members of your family."
McCrory says Search and Rescue Teams are standing by, and more state and federal agencies will assist with Emergency Operations throughout the weekend – including National Guard Soldiers, State Troopers, and Department of Transportation crews.
Regardless of Joaquin’s track, says McCrory, people should be putting together their emergency kits and family communication plans now.
