CHARLOTTE, N.C. — State leaders are preparing for severe weather that will impact the southeast on Tuesday.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for the state ahead of severe thunderstorms that are expected on Tuesday. Cooper's declaration allows restrictions on truck weight, size, and hours of service to be lifted to ensure essential products are delivered as fast as possible.
There is a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms, wind gusts up to 50 mph, flooding rains ranging from 1-4 inches, and even tornadoes across the Carolinas and Charlotte area, according to WCNC Charlotte meteorologists.
Downed trees and power outages are expected across the state. The worst of the weather arrives around noon and all severe threats will close by the evening.
"This storm system has the potential to bring high winds and other dangerous storm conditions to North Carolina, and people should be aware and take precautions,” Governor Cooper said in a release. "Be sure your emergency kits are up to date and pay attention to the weather in your area, especially any weather alerts such as flash flood warnings."
The governor's office is providing several tips for residents to prepare for Tuesday's storms:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency info, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and download a weather app.
- Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends, or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.
- Gather some emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
- Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
- Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
- Ensure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially with the potential for severe storms to be moving through during nighttime hours.
- Check to see if your community offers emergency alert services for its residents.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.