NORTH CAROLINA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Chantal barrels toward the southeastern United States, bringing heavy rain, dangerous winds, and the potential for widespread flooding. The declaration was issued late Wednesday as meteorologists warned that the storm is expected to make landfall along the Carolina coast within the next 24 to 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Chantal, currently packing sustained winds of 60 miles per hour, is moving northwest through the Atlantic at a steady pace. While it has not yet reached hurricane strength, forecasters with the National Hurricane Center caution that the storm could intensify before reaching the shoreline. The storm’s outer bands have already begun impacting parts of the Outer Banks, with rising tides and strong gusts reported in several coastal counties.
Governor Cooper’s emergency order mobilizes state resources and activates the North Carolina National Guard, enabling first responders and emergency management agencies to prepare for potentially severe weather conditions. “We are urging all North Carolinians, especially those in coastal and low-lying areas, to take Tropical Storm Chantal seriously,” Cooper said at a press briefing. “This storm has the potential to cause flash flooding, power outages, and significant property damage.”
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has begun pre-positioning road crews and equipment, while shelters are being opened in vulnerable areas. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in some parts of Carteret and New Hanover counties, where storm surge could reach up to four feet. Local officials are working to assist elderly residents and those without transportation in evacuating safely.
The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warnings for much of the southeastern coastline, with flash flood watches in effect for inland areas. Forecasters predict that Chantal could drop between 4 to 8 inches of rain in some areas, with isolated totals reaching 10 inches—raising fears of landslides in the western part of the state.
The state’s power companies are also bracing for impact. Duke Energy has warned of likely outages and has dispatched repair crews across the region. “Given the projected wind speeds and rainfall, we expect trees and power lines to come down,” said a company spokesperson. “We ask customers to prepare for the possibility of multi-day outages.”
Schools in several coastal districts have canceled classes, and weekend events, including festivals and sports games, are being postponed or canceled as communities brace for Chantal’s arrival. Emergency kits, sandbags, and bottled water have been in high demand at stores across eastern North Carolina, where residents are taking last-minute precautions.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating with state officials to provide support. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that federal assistance will be ready if needed and encouraged residents to follow official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel.