President Biden Approves Emergency Declaration for North Carolina After Hurricane Helene Causes Widespread Damage

Author: TNW Breaking News Team | TNWWeather.com Published: 8:10 AM EDT, September 27, 2024Updated: 8:43 AM EDT, September 27, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration for North Carolina. This action will enable federal disaster assistance to support ongoing state and local recovery efforts as North Carolinians deal with widespread damage. The declaration, effective retroactively from September 24, allows FEMA to coordinate relief operations aimed at easing the suffering caused by the storm.

The storm has already turned deadly in Charlotte, where a tree fell on a home early Friday morning, killing one person and seriously injuring another. Thankfully, firefighters confirmed that no children in the home were hurt.

Widespread Impacts from Helene Although Hurricane Helene was downgraded to a tropical storm at 5 a.m. on Friday, it continues to unleash heavy rainfall, high winds, and severe flooding across much of the Carolinas. More than 1 million residents are currently without power. In western Mecklenburg County, authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation for residents near Mountain Island Lake due to dangerously rising floodwaters.

Severe Weather Warnings in Effect The Charlotte area remains under a tornado watch until 6 p.m. today. Tropical Storm Warnings are active for multiple counties, including Mecklenburg, Union, York, Gaston, and Lincoln. Major cities such as Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Gastonia are facing threats from flash floods, damaging winds, and widespread power outages.

Flooding and Power Outages Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Union counties until 10 a.m. Friday. As heavy rain continues, TNWWeather.com and TNW's Breaking News team are closely tracking these hazardous conditions and providing up-to-the-minute updates.

For continuous coverage of Hurricane Helene’s impacts and real-time alerts, visit TNWWeather.com and follow us on our social media channels. Stay informed with the latest from TNW's weather and breaking news teams as they monitor the storm’s aftermath.

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