North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued a warning about the potential dangers posed by Hurricane Helene as it approaches the state. The governor emphasized the seriousness of the situation during a recent severe weather news conference.
According to Cooper, Hurricane Helene is expected to bring heavy rain and the possibility of catastrophic flooding to central and western North Carolina. He highlighted the particular risk that mountainous areas face when tropical weather systems move through the region, citing the deadly impact of Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 as a sobering example.
The governor urged residents to take precautions and prepare for the impending storm, emphasizing the potential dangers of traveling in hazardous conditions. He stressed that flooding is likely and that unexpected conditions could arise as a result of the storm's impact.
Forecasters predict that Hurricane Helene could dump more than a foot of rain on parts of western North Carolina, leading to significant flash flooding, landslides, debris flows, slope failures, and river flooding. Even areas not typically prone to flooding may be at risk due to the storm's intensity.
Cooper specifically mentioned cities like Charlotte and Asheville as areas that could experience flash flooding despite not being directly in the storm's path. The governor's message to residents was clear: stay informed, stay safe, and be prepared for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene.
