Hurricane Dorian continues advancing north and, this morning, the storm made landfall in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. North Carolina and Virginia are likely to experience continued severe weather with high winds, torrential rain and flash flooding throughout the day. Remember: Stay out of floodwaters – Turn Around, Don’t Drown! If you evacuated, do not try to return home until your local officials say it is safe to return. FEMA is moving resources as the situation changes and remains coordinated with our state and federal partners ready, to respond where needed.

STAY ALERT AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF OFFICIALS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA

Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders remain in effect along the coastal areas and barrier islands of North Carolina and Virginia. There is a risk of tornadoes as Dorian’s bands pass over the region. If a tornado warning is issued in your area, go to a basement or room with no windows. Mobile homes are not a safe place to shelter. Your state and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders, shelter locations and other storm updates. North Carolina:

Call 2-1-1 or text NCDorian to 898211. Visit DriveNC.gov for road conditions. Get storm info at ncdps.gov/dorian2019. Download the ReadyNC mobile app by visiting readync.org

Virginia:

Visit VAemergency.gov for safety tips, severe weather alerts and more.

All shelters managed by the Red Cross are accessible for people who have disabilities (including those who are deaf, blind, use a wheelchair, or have a service animal). Residents with an acute medical need (a medical need that would require a trip to the hospital) are encouraged to go to a medical shelter for assistance. Visit FEMA.gov/Hurricane-Dorian for additional tips and resources.

SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS: DON'T RETURN HOME UNTIL IT'S SAFE TO DO SO

Even if it looks like the storm has subsided, do not return until told it is safe to do so by local authorities.

For updates in South Carolina, download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app by visiting scemd.org.

Flooding remains a concern. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Avoid floodwaters as they may contain raw sewage, sharp objects and/or downed power lines. Avoid walking near or driving over downed power lines. Consider all power lines energized and dangerous. Photograph or take video of any damage before you start cleaning up. If your property was damaged, contact your insurance company and file a claim.

FEMA, FEDERAL AGENCIES REMAIN FOCUSED ON DORIAN

More than 7,000 federal responders, including the National Guard, FEMA employees, and our federal partners, nonprofits and private sector, are in place and ready to support. Should the states need any federal support, we stand ready to help. More than 10,000 workers are positioned to restore power in areas affected by Dorian as soon as the storm clears. There are 80 high water vehicles at pre-staged Fort Bragg for water rescue, if needed.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed personnel including debris clearance staff, route opening engineers and temporary power teams in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Corps is monitoring water inundation in the Carolinas.

The Red Cross is coordinating to support evacuation centers with over 1,900 trained volunteers; more than 5,000 people were in 98 shelters in North and South Carolina. The Salvation Army is providing meals, water and snacks to evacuees and has mobile kitchens on standby.

DECLARATIONS

The governor of Florida requested a major disaster declaration for federal reimbursement to local and state government for emergency protective measures. That request is under review. President Trump approved emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, including the Catawba Indian Nation, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and North Carolina, to include the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The emergency declarations allow for direct federal assistance for emergency and life-safety actions taken.

USAID ON AID TO THE BAHAMAS

We extend condolences to those who have lost loved ones and to the affected communities. Led by USAID, the U.S is providing humanitarian assistance, search & rescue, and other disaster response support at the request of the Bahamian government as well as assisting U.S. citizens in the affected areas. USAID deployed search and rescue members from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue to The Bahamas. These teams – each comprising 57 people and four canines – will be conducting search and rescue missions, and other critical operations. These teams also have agreements with FEMA as part of the National Urban Search and Rescue system. The U.S. Coast Guard immediately deployed ships and helicopters to evacuate severely injured individuals from Abaco and Grand Bahama islands. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also deployed rotary and fixed wing aircraft to assist with evacuation and relief efforts. USAID is airlifting emergency supplies from Miami to be distributed through the Bahamian government’s National Emergency Management Agency. Visit cidi.org for information on how the public can support relief in the Bahamas.

2019 map of Hurricane Dorian's path along the eastern united states coast. Disaster, Survival & Outdoor
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