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 already became better organized on Saturday.
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 2 p.m. Saturday, Tropical Depression 9 had 35 mph winds and was moving northwest at 6 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
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Future Imelda has progressed into Tropical Depression 9, impacts to NC shifting
“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.
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.
Future Imelda threatens NC beach erosion, ocean overwash, and coastal flooding, forecasters say
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.
Future Imelda has progressed into Tropical Depression 9, impacts to NC shifting
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.
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