Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency Sept. 27 as North Carolina prepares for heavy rainfall and potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9 or future named storm Imelda.
Residents across the state should prepare for tropical weather to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding, Stein said in a news release. The declaration comes as communities across Western North Carolina gathered Sept. 27 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Tropical Strom Helene. The State of Emergency will enable North Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team to mobilize resources and prepare for potential impacts, the announcement said.
“Forecasts remain uncertain, so it’s important that North Carolinians get prepared now, have emergency kits ready, and listen to local emergency guidance to stay safe and informed,” Stein said.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall caused a large landslide Saturday morning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg Bypass is impassable as of Sept. 27, and park officials are actively assessing the situation, the park service said in a news release. The road is closed until further notice. Stay informed with the latest updates on road conditions by visiting the park’s website.
The Gatlinburg Bypass is closed Sept. 27, 2025, after heavy rain caused a large landslide. Meanwhile, Gov. Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina as the state prepares for possible heavy rains and flooding.
What the emergency declaration means
The State Emergency Response Team is readying swift water rescue teams, search and rescue task forces, law enforcement, National Guard, and other resources to support local response and logistical needs.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media. For tips on preparing for a storm, visit ReadyNC.gov.
North Carolina residents and visitors are advised to follow their local government and local news outlets on websites and on social media. Many local emergency management agencies have public notification systems in place that anyone can sign up for. Sign up for county alert systems here.
In the event of flooding, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend these tips:
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Listen to local weather forecasts. Flooding can occur with little notice.
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For people along the North Carolina coast, make sure that you know your zone. This is how local emergency management officials will issue evacuation orders due to storm surge. Visit KnowYourZone.NC.Gov to search your address and learn which zone you are in.
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Enable emergency alerts on your cell phone to receive notifications from the National Weather Service.
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Barricades are there for your safety. If you see a barricade, find another route. Do not attempt to go around it.
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Turn around if you see flooding to reduce the likelihood of drowning.
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Never walk through moving water. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down.
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Don’t drive through flooded areas. Just 2 feet of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
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Visit FIMAN.NC.Gov to access the state’s more than 600 flood gauges and to sign up for alerts for the gauges closest to your home.
More: ‘Neighbors stepped up for one another:’ Asheville recognizes Helene anniversary
More: Buncombe Co. Emergency Services: ‘We must build resiliency in everything’ after Helene
This story will be updated.
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: North Carolina governor declares state of emergency before heavy rain
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