Full Notification

DECLARING of a LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
McDOWELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
 
WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service and other sources indicate that waves of heavy rainfall will impact McDowell County; and
 
WHEREAS, there will be impacts of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms repeatedly  affecting the same locations causing flash flooding of streams and creeks to develop in McDowell County within the next 24 hours; and

WHEREAS, the storm is likely to be of such severity as to be capable of causing landslides and debris flows where rainfall approaches 10 inches with a high rate; and
 
WHEREAS, the City of Marion has already experienced damage; and eleven (11) citizens are actively sheltered due to evacuations of campgrounds; and

WHEREAS, the weather conditions associated with the storm are such as to constitute an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life, requiring Mutual Aid assistance.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Chairman of the McDowell County Board of Commissioners under Article 1A of Chapter 166A and 36A of Chapter 14 of North Carolina General Statutes, and under the McDowell County Emergency Operations Plan; a State of Emergency is hereby declared within the jurisdiction of McDowell County, and the Town of Old Fort.


            I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by McDowell County, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded. All personnel are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the County’s Emergency Operations Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements, and to furnish assistance there under.     

            This Declaration shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded.
 
Proclaimed this the 20^th day of May, 2020 at 10:30am.          

*This declaration is for McDowell County and the Town of Old Fort.  The City of Marion's is attached.

Local emergency personnel remain on standby to respond to any incidents that develop.  Over 8.5 inches of rain has already fallen since yesterday in the western part of McDowell County.  Please do not attempt to drive though flooded roadways.