Communities along the Gulf Coast are bracing for Hurricane Isaias to arrive Friday evening, and North Carolina officials announced a storm response plan.
Many Florida residents evacuate before the storm hits. Thousands of cars are parked on the highway around Pensacola waiting to leave the state.
Isaias will likely bring heavy rain, flash flooding and severe weather to North Carolina, especially to areas like Wilmington and western North Carolina.
Meanwhile, emergency crews across North Carolina are preparing for the impact on our state.
“Our urban search and rescue teams were issued a state mission order to key locations on Saturday, just to make sure they are ready for a rapid response,” said Justin Graney with North Carolina EMS.
Isaias could also spawn a tornado like Hurricane Helene did two years ago in Rocky Mount.
Businesses are still recovering today. An auto repair shop was completely razed after suffering severe damage and Hing Ta Chinese restaurant is still closed for repairs.
Mexican restaurant El Tapatio reopened about a month ago after a two-year rebuilding process, including rebuilding brick walls that collapsed.
WRAL spoke with El Tapatio general manager Juan Aguilar, who said he was present when the tornado hit the restaurant. He said there were about 50 people inside at the time and no one was injured.
Aguilar says he prays no tornadoes come from Isaias, but he says staff has talked about the possibility.
“We can’t do anything against mother nature,” Aguilar said. “We said if we see something suspicious like last time or hear the warning, let’s not wait for it to happen, let’s all rush to the toilet.”
Although experts say this storm is not expected to hit North Carolina like Hurricane Helen, they are preparing for the worst.
The best way to prepare for the coming storm is to have a plan and gather emergency supplies.
Gn usa
