Weather: Schools close as Governor issues state of emergency
In a last minute change, both Lexington and Thomasville City Schools announced they would close today instead of having early release.
Additionally, the board of education meeting has been postponed and there will be no after school or evening activities today,
Governor Roy Cooper issued a state of emergency Monday night ahead of today’s storms, which were just beginning to pick up at 9 a.m.
“This storm system has the potential to bring high winds and other dangerous storm conditions to North Carolina, and people should be aware and take precautions,” Cooper said in a statement. “Be sure your emergency kits are up to date and pay attention to the weather in your area, especially any weather alerts such as flash flood warnings.”
According to the release, the governor and NC Emergency Management officials are urging residents mto be “safe and cautious during heavy rainfall and winds, and to expect floowing and power outages as a strong weather system” impacts the state. In addition to heavy rains, conditions could be ripe for tornados or for dangerous straight line winds, which can be as damaging as tornados,
State officials are offering the following tips for residents:
Have multiple ways to receive emergency info, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and download a weather app.
Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.
Gather some emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
Ensure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially with the potential for severe storms to be moving through during nighttime hours.
Check to see if your community offers emergency alert services for its residents.
Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, a slower speed is safer, and if your car hydroplanes, take your foot off the gas, steer into the direction of the turn and then lightly apply brakes. Do not slam on the brakes,
According to the National Weather Service, there is a slight risk “of severe thunderstorms … this afternoon and evening. Damaging straight line wind gusts and isolated tornadoes will be possible. In addition, showers and storms will be capable of producing a quick 1.5 to 3 inches of rain, which may produce urban and poor drainage flooding. Lastly, southwesterly wind gusts of 35-40 mph may result behind the system tonight. “
In addition, more serious weather is on the horizon, as '“another storm system may bring additional heavy rain and strong gusty winds Friday night into Saturday.”
