Anticipating historic major damage across North Carolina from Hurricane Florence, Governor Roy Cooper today requested a presidential disaster declaration to expedite the process of receiving federal aid for cleanup and recovery. Read the request HERE.
“We know this massive storm will cause incredible damage and I’m asking Washington to act quickly so federal recovery help can come as soon as possible,” Governor Cooper said.
The added disaster declaration would go beyond the federal action already in effect, which is already providing Federal Emergency Management Agency funds and assistance as we prepare for the hurricane. The additional declaration would provide federal help with debris removal as well as FEMA search and rescue teams, disaster medical teams, hazardous material clean up assistance, meals, generators, fuel and more.
Impacts from Hurricane Florence are already being felt along the coastline with tropical force winds in the state’s southeastern counties. The path of the storm will impact the state with dangerous winds and torrential rainfall, bringing coastal storm surge, inland river flooding, and anticipated mudslides and rockslides in the western mountains. The number of counties included in the declaration will grow as counties assess impacts.
The Governor's initial request covers all counties currently under hurricane warnings and will be expanded in the days ahead as state and federal officials evaluate Florence's impact.