RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — With a hurricane formation on the horizon and the edge of the North Carolina coast in the tracking cone, Governor Josh Stein on Saturday afternoon declared a state of emergency.
For now, Tropical Depression Nine has yet to form into Tropical Storm Imelda, but it is already organized on Saturday night.
Saturday night, the National Hurricane Center warned of possible flooding in eastern North Carolina with 3 to 6 inches of rain possible — and the risk of localized totals of 10 inches.
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for the risk of beach erosion, ocean overwash, and coastal flooding starting late Sunday for the Outer Banks and other North Carolina beaches and islands.
As of 8 a.m. Sunday, Tropical Depression 9 had 35 mph winds and was moving north-northwest at 7 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
“North Carolinians across the state should prepare for tropical weather to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding,” Stein said in a news release Saturday announcing the state of emergency.
The National Hurricane Center said that the storm would likely reach its greatest intensity when it is closest to the southeast U.S. coast.
The state of emergency includes an aspect against price gouging, banning sudden and excessive increases for key supplies such as fuel, water, medicine, and lodging. In the past, the North Carolina Attorney General has pursued businesses that it says took advantage of a crisis to charge much higher prices.
Officials said a special North Carolina group is prepping swift water rescue teams, search and rescue task forces, the National Guard, and other resources to assist with any possible local needs.
“This State of Emergency will enable North Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team to mobilize resources and prepare for potential impacts,” Stein said.
The state of emergency includes a temporary waiver and suspension of some motor vehicle regulations.
The cone for possible Imelda — now Tropical Depression Nine — shifted significantly on Saturday to include just the fringes of the southern Outer Banks and the southeast North Carolina coast.
A tropical storm watch was issued Saturday for a stretch of Florida beaches. The watch was issued from the Palm Beach/Martin County Line northward to the Flagler/Volusia County Line.
Rodney Overton
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