CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Helene as the state prepares for the storm's widespread impacts.
"This is an unusually dangerous storm that threatens to bring heavy rain and potentially catastrophic flooding for central, and particular, western North Carolina," Cooper said Thursday. "When tropical weather crosses into our mountains, it can be deadly."
Some areas in western North Carolina could see over a foot of rain by the time Helene pushes out of the region on Friday. Cooper said crews are preparing for the worst, including flooding, tornadoes and landslides.
"Heavy rains and winds are coming: Beware and prepare," Cooper said. "Travel will be dangerous. Flooding is likely and we are preparing for unexpected conditions."
Cooper said he's activated 175 soldiers and airmen from the North Carolina National Guard to assist crews statewide. Swift water rescue crews and urban search teams have been deployed to western North Carolina where flooding is expected.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm due to potential impacts.
Weather Aware: The potential impacts of Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas
"Even areas that don't typically experience it may see flooding," Cooper said. "Cities like Charlotte and Asheville could see flash flooding despite not being in the storm's direct path."
North Carolina's State Emergency Response Team is deploying equipment and personnel to impacted communities before Helene reaches the region. The North Carolina National Guard is also available to assist. A state of emergency allows North Carolina to take action to ensure the quick movement of resources to eliminate power outages and delivery of food, medicine and fuel statewide.
Charlotte Motor Speedway opened its campgrounds Wednesday to evacuees seeking a safe place to stay. Charlotte Motor Speedway will offer campgrounds to evacuees for free as long as possible. The speedway's campgrounds are located just minutes from Exit 49 off Interstate 85 in Concord.
Helene is now a Category 2 hurricane with sustained 105 mph winds. The NHC reported gusts up to 115 mph as the storm entered the Gulf of Mexico with "significant additional strengthening" likely. This process is known as rapid intensification and could lead to catastrophic wind, storm surge and flooding on Florida's Gulf Coast as Helene makes landfall. It is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Big Bend area of Florida.
Tropical storm watches and warnings are in place, including portions of our viewing area. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Mecklenburg, Union, York, Chester, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Cleveland, Burke, Caldwell and Avery counties. Impacted cities and towns include Banner Elk, Shelby, Lenoir, Morganton, Hickory, Newton, Gastonia, Charlotte, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Chester, Lincolnton, Monroe, Huntersville, Matthews, and Cheraw.
Additionally, a Flood Watch is in place for Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Ashe, and Watauga counties.