NC Counties Declare State of Emergency, FEMA Urges Caution as Hurricane Arthur Makes Landfall - East Idaho News
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NC Counties Declare State of Emergency, FEMA Urges Caution as Hurricane Arthur Makes Landfall

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Getty 070314 ArthurApproaches?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1404441764483Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images(RALEIGH, N.C.) — Eleven counties in North Carolina have declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Arthur approached the coast.

Arthur, which became a category 2 storm earlier Thursday shifted slightly closer to the North Carolina coast Thursday, leaving North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory concerned about flooding and resident safety. He urged North Carolinians to be prepared for the storm, and the potential flooding, power outages and surges in the water that may come with it.

“Let’s hope for the best. Let’s pray for the best, that Arthur clears out quickly, so we can all get back to celebrating our country’s independence,” the governor said Thursday. He noted that the closer Arthur gets to shore overnight, the more dangerous the situation can be because of darkness, which may prevent people from seeing downed power lines or flooding situations.

“We strongly encourage that you stay inside and wait for this storm to leave,” McCrory said. He pointed out that most injuries occur either right before a storm arrives or right after it leaves.

McCrory said 14 shelters were open on Thursday night. Shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday night, Arthur made landfall near Cape Lookout, N.C.

In advance of the storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged everyone potentially impacted by the storm to be aware of evacuation routes and follow any orders given. “As the holiday approaches, we continue to warn residents and visitors to be aware of evacuation routes,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “If an evacuation order is given by local officials — leave.”


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