175 soldiers and airmen activated as Helene closes in on North Carolina, Gov. Cooper says
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Helene is forecasted to cause significant issues including flash flooding, landslides, damaging debris flows, slope failures across steep terrain, and riverine flooding across portions of western North Carolina and central North Carolina. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday.
In a Thursday news conference, Cooper spoke alongside other leaders to talk about storm preparations and response.
"This is an unusually dangerous storm," he said. "(North Carolina) is preparing for unexpected conditions...Our priority here is to protect lives and manage the impact of the storm on our communities here in our state as it arrives."
Flooding may occur in areas that do not typically flood. All North Carolinians should be weather-aware and prepared. You can check if your area is at risk for flooding here. You can also check the nearby lake levels.
A tropical storm warning was issued Thursday for parts of western North Carolina.
Storm Prep
In a Thursday news conference, Cooper spoke alongside other leaders to talk about storm preparations and response.
"This is an unusually dangerous storm," he said. "(North Carolina) is preparing for unexpected conditions...Our priority here is to protect lives and manage the impact of the storm on our communities here in our state as it arrives."
North Carolina's price gouging law is in effect as of Thursday in preparation for Hurricane Helene, the state's attorney general office announced. The Department of Justice reviews price gouging complaints closely and Attorney General Stein will hold price gougers accountable for breaking the law.
You are encouraged to report any suspected potential price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint online.
President Joe Biden approved an Emergency Declaration for North Carolina. The move makes federal disaster assistance available to the state to supplement response efforts to damage and other effects of Helene.
Watch NC Go. Roy Cooper's full remarks on Helene updates and storm preparations
The North Carolina State Emergency Operations Center deployed 16 swift water rescue teams and added three additional swift water rescue teams from New York, Indiana and Illinois.
ABC11 was in Cary early Thursday as local emergency teams geared up to head to western North Carolina.
The Cary Swift Water team out of station 7 loaded up several cars and trailers with boats attached. The state emergency management activated this team to head straight to Lenior ahead of the storm.
They loaded up enough supplies to be gone for up to five days while we wait to see what Mother Nature brings.
Their gear is more than boots and special helmets. They also added features on their life jackets, so they don't get caught in something while they make rescues.
"It's reassuring to know the folks that we have are ready to go almost at a moment's notice," Cary Fire Captain Craig McDowell said. "Dropping everything their own lives, their own things they have going on at home, to be able to do this...It's nice and it's reassuring and have the support of the town, whether it's through equipment or, you know, resources."
The Apex Swift Water Rescue team is also on standby if they need extra help.
Emergency Management Director William Ray said at the news conference, that as of Thursday morning, there are three shelters open in western North Carolina.
WATCH | Duke Energy on preparation for power outages from Helene
The North Carolina Emergency Management Human Services Branch is actively planning for the potential increase in shelters.
ABC11's Sean Coffey and Tom George contributed.
