As North Carolina begins to feel the effects of the tropical storm Elsa, Governor Roy Cooper and state officials from the Division of Emergency Management would like to remind residents to be prepared for potential power outages and to avoid driving their vehicles through flooding.
North Carolina residents and visitors should keep safety in mind as the tropical storm Elsa it passes through our state today, ”Governor Cooper said. “Everyone must stay alert to rapidly changing weather conditions, they must also have a response plan in case they need to move to another site.”
Driving on flooded roads should be avoided; When water travels through a path, it is not known what is under the water. The road surface could become weak or washed out and you could be driving into a hole – turn around, don’t drown.
The State Emergency Operations Center located in Raleigh is now tracking the storm’s progress. The State Emergency Response Team stands ready to support local governments and respond to any storm-related needs.
“Storm impacts can vary by location,” said Will Ray, Chief of Staff for the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. “Heavy rains, gusts of wind, floods, tornadoes, and power outages are all a possibility in this storm, so pay close attention to the weather forecast for your area of residence.”
During the morning, weather conditions will continue to deteriorate as Tropical Storm Elsa moves to the northeast. To this day, Elsa is forecast to remain in tropical storm force as it moves through North Carolina.
• Through Thursday night, heavier rains are forecast in central North Carolina, but in general 1 to 3 ”of rain may be recorded, with localized totals of up to 5” across the entire condition. A Flash Flood Watch has been established for much of the Piedmont area and the coastal plain.
• The eastern half of North Carolina is at slight risk of excessive rainfall; there is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall in the foothills of the state. Periods of heavy rain on Thursday could lead to scattered or isolated flash floods.
• It is expected that in eastern North Carolina, where a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect, stronger wind gusts will occur, reaching or exceeding tropical storm strength. Isolated power outages as a result of downed trees will continue to be a possibility in the face of heavy rains and gusty winds.
• Wind gusts of 30 to 55 miles per hour are possible in eastern North Carolina, with the strongest gusts being along the coast.
• Wind gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour are possible in central North Carolina, with the strongest gusts being east of the US-1 stretch of highway.
• Wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour may be recorded in western North Carolina; the strongest gusts are expected in the foothills of the state.
• Areas along the coast are at slight risk (level 2 out of 5) of severe weather conditions, there is marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) for the coastal plain region.
• The greatest potential for severe weather conditions today, including tornadoes, will be along and east of the I-95 stretch.
• Now through 9 am today, a Tornado Watch has been in effect for southeastern North Carolina. Tornado Watch could expand or extend as Elsa moves through the region.
• This morning, Tornado Warnings have already been issued within the risk area. Maintain multiple ways to receive weather alert messages, in case a Tornado Warning is issued in your area.
• No significant storm surge is expected; however, there may be a minor rise in water level (up to 2 feet above ground level) along the coast, especially north of Cape Cape Hatteras. During this week, a high risk of return currents will remain along the North Carolina beaches.
• Conditions will begin to improve by Thursday afternoon, from south to north, as Tropical Storm Elsa begins to move out of the region.
North Carolinians should make sure they:
• Have multiple ways to receive emergency weather alert messages.
• Review your personal emergency plans and know your evacuation routes.
• Check your emergency supply kit, which should contain: food, water, prescription drugs, charging cables, batteries, and other essential items to support the family for several days.
• Be sure to care for elderly family members and pets.
Prepare for potential power outages; if the power goes out, remember to apply these tips:
• Make sure your cell phone and other electronic or medical devices are fully charged, as well as the backup batteries.
• Do not park your car under trees or power lines.
• Use battery-operated light sources, rather than candles.
• Avoid running generators or grills inside your home or garage; Deadly carbon monoxide fumes can build up when using generators or grills indoors.
For more information on how to make sure your family is prepared for a disaster, click here. This site provides information on vehicular traffic, power outages, and shelter shelters. Also, check to see if your local community offers emergency alert message services for its residents.
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