Governor McCrory Urges Residents to Stay Alert as Severe Weather Approaches | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor McCrory is urging residents to closely monitor weather forecasts and follow direction from emergency officials as severe thunderstorms and strong winds move through the state throughout the day. Approximately four dozen public school systems and three universities already have announced early dismissal (see latest listing below). Be sure to monitor local media outlets for updates.

    "We all have seen how quickly storms like this can strike and that is why it is so important for everyone to take thunderstorm and tornado warnings seriously. I cannot stress enough: follow directions from your local officials," said Governor McCrory. "Stay alert and don’t get hurt."

    By noon, most of North Carolina was under a tornado watch meaning that conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Meteorologists also are predicting high chances of straight-line wind damage occurring across the central portion of the state today. Scattered severe thunderstorms are a certainty. The risk for multiple tornadoes is fairly high, including strong tornadoes. Areas east of US-1 will have the greatest risk and could see more numerous severe storms, with greater impacts. The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of central and eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh and Greenville, under a significant severe risk this afternoon and evening.

    The threat for severe weather will increase dramatically by midday, with damaging winds in excess of 70 mph, large hail 1" or greater, and a few strong tornadoes possible.

    Emergency Management officials recommend having a weather radio that broadcasts alerts from the National Weather service whenever severe weather occurs. Be sure to update your ReadyNC mobile app to ensure you have all the latest features and capabilities.

    North Carolina Emergency is recommending people to:

• Know the terms: WATCH means a tornado is possible. WARNING means TAKE ACTION: a tornado has been spotted; take shelter immediately.
• Know where the nearest safe room is.
  
  
  • Home - go to the basement under the stairs or to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
  • Schools, hospitals, offices - go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. Avoid long corridors with windows and large open areas with free span roofs like gyms.
  • High rise buildings - go to an interior hallway, bathroom or closet and stay away from windows.
  • Modular homes and vehicles - leave immediately and go to a sturdy building.
• If you are outdoors, and there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area. Watch out for flying debris.
• If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge.
• Following a storm, wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when walking on or near debris, and be aware of exposed nails and broken glass.
• Be aware of damaged power or gas lines and electrical systems that may cause fires, electrocution or explosions.

    More information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness can be found in the ReadyNC mobile app and online at www.ReadyNC.org. Be sure to update your ReadyNC app to ensure it has all the latest features.

    Early Public School Dismissal

        Beaufort
        Bertie
        Bladen
        Brunswick
        Camden
        Carteret
        Chowan
        Clinton City
        Columbus
        Craven
        Cumberland
        Currituck
        Dare
        Duplin
        Durham County
        Edgecombe
        Franklin
        Gates
        Granville
        Greene
        Halifax
        Hertford
        Johnston
        Jones
        Lenoir
        Martin
        New Hanover
        Northampton
        Onslow
        Pamlico
        Pender
        Person
        Pitt
        Roanoke Rapids City
        Robeson
        Sampson
        Tyrrell
        Vance
        Wake
        Washington
        Wayne
        Weldon City Schools
        Whiteville City Schools
        Wilson

    Early University Dismissal

        UNC Wilmington
        Fayetteville State University
        East Carolina University

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov