Raleigh, North Carolina, September 28, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency as Tropical Depression Nine threatens the region with heavy rain and potential flooding. The declaration allows the mobilization of emergency response teams to prepare for the severe weather conditions expected. Residents are advised to assemble emergency kits and stay informed about local updates. South Carolina has also declared a state of emergency as the storm approaches, with forecasts suggesting significant rainfall across the Carolinas.
Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency as Tropical Depression Nine poses a significant risk of heavy rain and flooding for the region. The declaration came on Saturday, with warnings suggesting that the tropical depression could evolve into Hurricane Imelda, bringing substantial impacts to both public and private properties and essential utility services.
Residents across North Carolina are urged to prepare for the anticipated severe weather conditions, which include heavy rains that may lead to flooding. The state of emergency permits the mobilization of the North Carolina State Emergency Response Team to assist with any potential crisis stemming from the storm.
Governor Stein emphasized the critical importance of being prepared, recommending that residents assemble emergency kits and stay updated through local emergency communications. This preparation should encompass a variety of essential items and plans for potential evacuation.
Regional Preparations and Warnings
In a related regional response, South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency the day before, on Friday, highlighting the potential for strong storm conditions along the coast. The South Carolina State Climatology Office has alerted residents to the dangers of damaging winds, storm surge, excessive rainfall, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes, though the extent of these threats remains uncertain.
Forecasts indicate that Charlotte could see 2 to 3 inches of rain, a manageable amount expected over three days. The National Hurricane Center has warned Carolinians of possible hurricane-force winds and heavy rain as Tropical Depression Nine develops.
Current weather models illustrate that the storm may linger off the South Carolina coast instead of making a direct hit on the Carolinas, as earlier anticipated. Additionally, a tropical storm watch has been issued for Florida’s east coast, stretching from Palm Beach County to the Flagler/Volusia county line.
Current Conditions and Future Projections
By Saturday night, eastern Cuba and the Bahamas were already experiencing heavy rains, with reported accumulations between four to eight inches. The tropical depression is currently situated about 220 miles northwest of eastern Cuba and 100 miles southwest of central Bahamas. Forecasters predict that the system will strengthen into a tropical storm by late Saturday or early Sunday, with potential hurricane formation by late Monday or Tuesday.
Rainfall estimates for the east coast of Florida and eastern Carolinas range from 3 to 6 inches, with certain locations possibly receiving up to 10 inches. Residents are advised to develop comprehensive hurricane plans and prepare emergency kits, even if the storm does not make direct landfall in their area.
Emergency Preparedness Recommendations
To ensure public safety, emergency preparedness recommendations include:
- Being familiar with local evacuation zones.
- Monitoring flood levels via flood gauges.
- Enabling emergency alerts on cell phones.
- Following local news outlets for timely updates.
The state of North Carolina has over 600 flood gauges available for residents to access online, and travel information can be obtained through the state’s official website. Governor Stein’s office promotes residents staying informed via local government channels and news on social media platforms.
Tropical Depression Nine’s Current Status
Currently, Tropical Depression Nine is characterized by moving at a sluggish 2 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
FAQs
What prompted the state of emergency in North Carolina?
What preparations should residents make?
What are the rainfall predictions for North Carolina?
How does the current status of Tropical Depression Nine look?
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Emergency Declaration | North Carolina state of emergency declared due to Tropical Depression Nine. |
| Preparations | Residents encouraged to prepare emergency kits and stay informed. |
| Rainfall Estimates | 2 to 3 inches in Charlotte; some areas may see up to 10 inches. |
| Current Status | Tropical Depression Nine moving at 2 mph with 35 mph winds. |
| Other States’ Response | South Carolina declared a state of emergency on Friday. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS 17 News: State of Emergency Declared in North Carolina
- CBS 17 News: Threat Increases for North Carolina from Likely Imelda
- Charlotte Observer: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Tropical Depression
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
Author: HERE Charlotte
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