Western North Carolina is bracing for Hurricane Helene, a Category 3 storm that is expected to become a Category 4 as it approaches the gulf coast of Florida. The storm is nearly 700 miles across, and the National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for several counties in the region. Governor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay off the roadways and not to drive through floodwaters.
Tornado warnings have already been reported in the Charlotte area, and the storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential landslides. The North Carolina Emergency Management X account has warned of possible power outages and downed trees, with the National Guard activated and swift-water rescue teams on standby.
Residents are advised to prepare emergency kits, secure property, and stay informed through weather alerts. Duke Energy has staged personnel in preparation for the storm and encourages residents to charge electronic devices, have a plan in place for evacuations, and stay away from fallen power lines.
Hurricane Helene comes just three years after Tropical Storm Fred devastated western North Carolina in 2021. Lessons learned from Fred have led to more early warning systems and better response times in preparing for Helene. The state is coordinating closely with local governments and opening evacuation shelters in vulnerable areas.
As the storm approaches, residents are urged to take necessary precautions and stay up to date on current conditions through readync.gov for resources and information. Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the path of Hurricane Helene.
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