Michael Leaves Path of Downed Trees, Power Outages and Road Closures | Eastern NC Now

    Press Release:

Two more storm-related deaths confirmed in McDowell County

    RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced two more storm related deaths from Tropical Storm Michael were confirmed in McDowell County today. A man and a woman died after their car hit a large tree that had fallen across a road in Marion. That brings the North Carolina death toll from Michael to three.

    "We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the loved ones and friends of those killed," Gov. Cooper said. "We urge everyone to remain safe. While the storm has moved on, there is still much clean up and repair to be done."

    Michael also claimed the life of one man around 1 p.m. on Thursday when a tree fell on his car in Iredell County.

    As North Carolinians start cleaning up from Tropical Storm Michael, Governor Cooper asked everyone to remain cautious when driving. He also urged those working to clear downed trees and debris to be extremely careful as many of the deaths that occurred in previous storms happened during the cleanup process. He warned downed power lines may still be active.

    Flash floods receded overnight, leaving behind thousands of fallen trees, and some rising rivers. The Dan and Yadkin rivers are forecast to crest out of their banks today and tomorrow.

    Local first responders report rescuing and evacuating nearly 100 people yesterday from flash floods in Guilford, Forsyth, Iredell, Henderson, Burke, McDowell and other counties. Thirty-one school systems have closed today, and 30 systems have delayed their openings. There were eight shelters opened for people who needed a safe place while Michael passed through our state.

    Michael is now a post tropical cyclone speeding away from the state leaving breezy conditions behind. Winds will taper off through the day today, but gusts up to 30-40 mph are possible in the mountains at higher elevations. A cold front will move through early next week ushering in the next chance for showers and thunderstorms. At the coast, there will be heavy surf and strong riptides caused by Michael, making swimming in the ocean dangerous.

    Governor Cooper is scheduled to survey damage and meet with emergency managers in in Wilkes, Watauga, Forsyth and Guilford County.

    Power Outages/Road Closures

    About 408,000 people in North Carolina are without power as of 1 pm Friday., with outages concentrated in the Piedmont Triad and counties. State transportation officials report 301 closed roads due to fallen trees or washouts caused by Michael.

    Resources on Hand to Respond to the Storm

    To prepare for the storm, Governor Cooper on Wednesday issued a State of Emergency and waived certain transportation rules. He also activated 150 National Guard soldiers to preserve life and safety, clear roads and support communications and logistics. Those troops are being deactivated today. From 6 am Thursday to 6 am Friday., the State Highway Patrol has responded to 1,014 collisions and 2,017 calls for service. More than 2,100 state transportation employees are working on response to Michael's damage on state roads.

    2-1-1 Call Line Open 24/7 for People in Need of Help

    The statewide NC 211 information line can provide callers with nearby shelter, housing and other storm-related details. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to reach this information line, which is staffed around the clock to connect North Carolinians to storm and other resources.

    Download the ReadyNC app or follow NC Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter for weather updates and to learn how you can recover following the storm.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov