Governor Stein and Emergency Management Officials Urge Vigilance as Isaias Moves Through the State

Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Emergency Management officials continue to monitor impacts from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias. All North Carolinians should remain vigilant as the storm system moves out of the area throughout today because flash flooding remains a threat in some areas. There have been multiple tornado warnings this morning and early afternoon, and the threat of tornados remains elevated throughout the day, especially in central and southeast North Carolina. 

“We are grateful to the first responders and emergency management officials who worked through the night to keep people safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s public safety community, including North Carolina’s Search and Rescue Teams, stepped up to meet the moment. Visit ReadyNC.gov to learn how to prepare for storms.” 

Overnight, the state saw impacts from Isaias, especially in western North Carolina, where heavy rains led to flooding, a few rescues, and several landslides. North Carolina Emergency Management and the State Emergency Response Team supported local emergency management offices in public notification and coordinating response efforts overnight. 

At its peak, power outages were just over 22,000 across the state, with about half of those in the mountains. Crews continue to work hard to restore power to those impacted, with current outages just over 10,000 as of 10:30 a.m. 

More than 2,300 NCDOT employees mobilized across the state to ensure thousands of signs, trucks, and debris-clearing equipment were ready and in good working order ahead of this storm. Crews have begun assessing damage where it’s safe to do so and are working to get roads open as swiftly as possible. 

State Emergency managers remain in contact with their local partners to assess any needs they may have. Pre-positioned swift water rescue teams and search and rescue teams remain ready to mobilize if needed. NCDOT continues to encourage North Carolinians to stay off the roads, unless necessary. If you must go out, drive with extra caution, and if you encounter flooding: turn around, don’t drown. Real-time travel conditions for North Carolina roads can be found at DriveNC.gov. 

Residents and visitors can get the latest updates by monitoring local news for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service, as well as state and local emergency management officials. North Carolinians are encouraged to follow local weather forecasts for updates.   

For the latest information and preparedness tips from the State Emergency Response Team, visit ReadyNC.Gov/Isaias.