“Take action before it’s too late:” Gov. Stein shares updates on state’s response to Hurricane Erin

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - Governor Josh Stein is warning residents of the significant risks Hurricane Erin is likely to bring to the North Carolina coast.

“Folks on the coast need to take care,” said Gov. Stein.

Stein said in a briefing in Raleigh this morning that strong storm surge and flooding are expected as Hurricane Erin makes its closest approach to the coastline tonight into tomorrow morning.

“Take action now before it’s too late,” said Gov. Stein.

Stein warned that many roadways on the Outer Banks, especially major Highway 12, are likely to experience heavy overwash that will make the roads impassable.

Gov. Stein issued a statewide state of emergency yesterday, saying local, state and national agencies, including three swift water rescue teams, are ready to quickly and decisively respond to the needs of those on the coast.

A state-operated shelter has also been opened for evacuees in Warrenton.

The governor stressed that citizens should be getting their information about the storm from reputable sources like the National Weather Service and local television stations rather than social media.

Though Erin will not directly hit land, Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties have issued states of emergency and mandatory evacuation orders for visitors and residents.