North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper defends decision to prepare citizens for Hurricane Irma impact. The Governor took precautions to protect his state and its citizens from potential impacts of Category 5 Hurricane Irma early on, declaring a ‘State Of Emergency’. Ultimately, Hurricane Irma veered away from its original anticipated path towards North Carolina, and the impact level predicted subsided. Cooper was ask at a press conference Monday, September 11, 2001, quote “Is there a danger of Crying Wolf”? Speaking about the level of precautions he asks citizens to take, that caused a “Frenzy” in the supermarkets in a rush for emergency supplies. The Governor offered an unapologetic response, stating “It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it”. When it comes to citizen’s safety, not many would tend to disagree with Governor Cooper’s stance.
He reminded the reporter “Hurricanes can change track”. In addition, the Governor cited Hurricane Matthew, “Even a few days before, we didn’t think the effects would be as significant”. Further, stressing, “Hurricane season is not over”. Ultimately, that any supplies citizens may have gathered, will not go to waste.
Hurricane Irma downgraded to category 1, ‘Tropical Storm’ according to the ‘National Hurricane Center’. The impact to Florida and others states while reduced significantly, still a deadly storm with sustained winds estimated at 75 mph along the west coast region. Areas of North Carolina can breathe a little easier, as the storm continues to pull away from the Carolinas. That said, North Carolina still not in the ‘All Clear’, as expected winds estimated between 15-30/35 mph as reported by WCNCTV Charlotte, and flooding anticipated in certain regions between 1-4 inches of rain. Take every precaution while driving, as collected rain pockets may develop. Just one foot of rain can cause a vehicle to float as warned by WCNC reporter Ariel Plasencia.
The state’s current watch status, ‘Level One’ activation explained:
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Source: Map Image, WCNC Weather
Source: Video Clip, WCNC Charlotte
