Press Releases

President Biden has granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene providing immediate federal help for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Critical supplies are starting to reach Western North Carolina communities hit hard by devastating Hurricane Helene as crews make progress toward restoring power and cell phone service and repairing roads.

North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from catastrophic damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene.“There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina including state and federal relief but we know there will be additional needs,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”

Search and rescue operations remain underway in communities across Western North Carolina and supplies are being brought into the region by air following devastating impacts from Tropical Storm Helene.“This is a historic and catastrophic storm for Western North Carolina and I’m grateful to first responders working right now to save lives and evacuate residents,” Governor Cooper said. “Efforts are also underway to get power and communications restored, and we’re bringing in needed supplies by air.”

Rescue and recovery operations continue to take place in western North Carolina as resources and aid are brought into the region. While North Carolina Emergency Management officials are working around the clock to support local efforts and coordinate emergency supply drop-offs, communication problems persist in the region and North Carolinians are urged to not travel to the area.

Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders continue to urge North Carolina residents to monitor dangerous conditions from Hurricane Helene, stay off roads in the western part of the state except in cases of emergency and listen to local officials.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Megean Simpson to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 30, serving Union County. Simpson will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Joseph Williams.“Megean Simpson will serve the people of Union County well thanks to her wealth of experience and dedication to public service,” said Governor Cooper. “I am grateful for her service to her community and her willingness to accept this position.”

Governor Roy Cooper has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government for North Carolina for 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for federal Public Assistance and Individual Assistance in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.

Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders urged North Carolinians today to prepare for life-threatening flooding as well as high winds, tornadoes and heavy rain as Hurricane Helene passes through the state.