Governor Roy Cooper Thursday afternoon called Hurricane Ian unpredictable and urged North Carolinians to be ready for when the storm's remnants hit the state Friday and Saturday.
At a briefing with other state officials, Governor Cooper said the storm that devastated Florida could still be a threat even as it weakens.
“For North Carolinians, I want to be clear: This storm can still be dangerous, and even deadly,” he said, “Heavy rains up to seven inches in some areas are likely to bring flooding. Landslides are a threat in our mountains and there's a chance of tornadoes statewide. Coastal flooding, heavy rain and gusty winds are likely as the storm passes through.”
Cooper also cautioned against one of the deadliest threats of the storm.
“Most important, don’t drive through water on the roads. Many people have died in past storms when their vehicles were caught in floodwaters. Don’t take the chance. If the road is flooded, turn round, find a different route,” he said.
He said 80 North Carolina National Guard troops have been activated to help with storm related emergencies.
