Governor Cooper Reminds Travelers: Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Governor Roy Cooper’s message to anyone traveling in North Carolina remained consistent and straightforward Saturday morning—stay away from areas with flooded roads in southeastern North Carolina.

The governor stressed avoiding areas east of Interstate 95 and south of U.S. 70. As of Saturday morning, there are about 550 areas on state-maintained roads and highways closed because of Hurricane Florence. Interstates 40 and 95 continue to be under water in several locations.

NC Department of Transportation personnel have identified safe routes for the public to use in and out of Wilmington. Those details can be found at DriveNC.gov.

But while the weather has improved, Gov. Cooper urged North Carolinians to keep their guard up.

“The persistent floods continue to make travel difficult and dangerous in hard-hit areas. You’ve heard us say it before but I can’t say it too many times: Stay off flooded roads, and don’t drive around barricades,” Gov. Cooper said. “The road you plan to drive on may be closed, and the road behind the barricade may not exist anymore underneath the flood water.”

Road Hazards Remain
Workers and contractors for the NC Department of Transportation continue to assess damage and are working through the weekend to make repairs where the roads have dried out. The governor continued to urge people not to drive in flooded areas as just a few inches of flowing water can be enough to move a car off the road. For the most up-to-date information on road conditions, residents can go to DriveNC.gov or call 511.

Shelters are still housing about 2,800 North Carolinians who have sought refuge from the storm. While many are anxious to return to their homes and survey the damage, it still isn’t safe to travel in many areas in southeastern North Carolina, and officials are asking for residents’ continued patience.

“Thanks to all the volunteers and Good Samaritans who are helping people through this difficult time—offering a safe place to stay, a hot meal, and other assistance,” said Gov. Cooper.

Latest Updates
The storm has officially claimed the lives of 32 people in North Carolina.

During the past week, almost 5,000 lives have been rescued by local first responders and emergency teams sent in to storm-ravaged areas. That’s twice as many people as were saved after Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

About 29,000 homes and businesses were without power, as of 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

More than 69,000 survivors have already requested federal disaster assistance and many are already receiving funds.

Storm Survivors Urged to Apply with FEMA
Anyone with a home damaged by Florence in any county is encouraged to begin the FEMA registration process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA to register via telephone or by visiting disasterassistance.gov to register online.

State emergency management is working closely with FEMA and others to give people longer term housing options. The Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which provides temporary housing, will be initiated Monday in nine counties: New Hanover, Robeson, Cumberland, Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Brunswick, Pender and Columbus. People need to be registered with FEMA to be eligible for it.

FEMA has granted Gov. Cooper’s request for a major disaster declaration for the following counties: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, Sampson and Wayne counties. The governor has requested a major disaster declaration for additional counties, including Greene, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Pitt, Richmond, Scotland and Wilson counties.

Gov. Cooper has also requested that the federal government cover 100 percent of the costs associated with disaster response for the first 30 days of this effort, instead of the typical 75 percent.

Governor Continues First-Hand Look
Governor Cooper continues to visit storm-damaged areas of the state. Today, he is traveling to Brunswick and Columbus counties.

“Everywhere I go, I see the pain — the pain of ruined crops, ravaged homes and flooded towns,” said Gov. Cooper. “But I also see the hope and the hard work of recovery starting. North Carolinians are strong, and together we will rebuild our state.”

Donations
The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is available for donations to support North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Florence. To donate, visit governor.nc.gov or text FLORENCE to 20222

More Resources
The statewide information line can provide callers with nearby shelter, housing and other storm-related details. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162, or text FLORENCE to 898211. The information line is staffed around the clock to connect North Carolinians to storm resources. Other resources can be obtained by visiting ncdps.gov/Florence or following NC Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.