Gov. Roy Cooper warns Isaias could strengthen as it hits North Carolina overnight

As Tropical Storm Isaias closes in on the Carolina coast, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper warned not to take it lightly, saying it’s likely to be dangerous despite not being designated a hurricane.

“As this storm closes in, we expect it to increase in intensity,” Cooper said during a Monday afternoon news conference. “There’s a potential for dangerous hurricane force winds as it makes its way towards landfall later tonight. That means we must be on high alert.”

Wake, Johnston, and more than a dozen eastern North Carolina counties are under a tropical storm warning, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters expect Tropical Storm Isaias to become a hurricane before it hits North Carolina, and is forecast to make landfall Monday night somewhere between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington.

“Whether it’s labeled a tropical storm or a hurricane, you should take this storm seriously, and make sure your family is ready,” Cooper said.

As of 2 p.m. Monday, the storm was about 115 miles south of Charleston, S.C., according to the National Hurricane Center, and a storm surge warming was in effect for the Oregon Inlet to the North Carolina-Virginia border.

When the hurricane hits North Carolina, top winds will be found on the east side toward the coast, The News and Observer reported. Heavier rain will fall on the west side of the storm.

State officials are encouraging storm evacuees to first look to move in with family or friends, or go to hotels, as shelter space will be limited in the coronavirus pandemic. People who look to use public shelters will be screened for coronavirus symptoms before they are allowed to enter.

“If ordered to evacuate by your local officials, evacuate promptly as directed,” state emergency management director Mike Sprayberry said. “Don’t let concerns about COVID-19 prevent your evacuation.”

Evacuations ahead of Isaias

Evacuations were ordered from Hatteras Island in Dare County and Ocracoke Island in Hyde County, Sprayberry said. But with the storm fast approaching, he doesn’t foresee any more.

“We don’t know of any further evacuations at this time,” Sprayberry said. “I would think that you’re not going to see too many more evacuations at this point.”

Cooper is confident the state has prepared the limited shelters it is opening with the proper precautions to mitigate any coronavirus spread.

“We are comfortable at this point that we’ll have enough room for people and still be able to social distance,” Cooper said. “If the storm gets worse then there are more shelters that we can open up.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 3:25 PM.