Thousands flee NC coast as governor declares state of emergency

[supernova]

Source: WRAL.com

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Bev Perdue issued a state of emergency Thursday for all counties east of Interstate 95 as thousands of people were fleeing the coast due to mandatory evacuations ahead of Hurricane Irene.

Perdue has also asked President Barack Obama to declare a pre-landfall emergency declaration to provide federal assistance for response efforts.

A hurricane watch was issued for North Carolina's Outer Banks Thursday, and meteorologists expect the storm to shift west and possibly make landfall near Morehead City Saturday morning.

North Carolina's hurricane watch extends from north of Surf City to the Virginia border. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.

Read more: http://www.wral.com/weather/story/10042666/

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Get out now! Sometimes hurricanes wash out coastal roads and you will be stranded. I don't know yet when the ferries will stop running, but they will.

My triangle friends, make sure you secure loose items on your lawn and you have emergency supplies. The leading edge we could start feeling as early as tomorrow night.

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