UPDATED: State of emergency in effect for North Carolina ahead of Dorian

NOAA satellite image, Hurricane Dorian, Friday evening, Aug. 30, 2019.

Gov. Roy Cooper has officially declared a state of emergency for North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Dorian as the Category 4 storm threatens the southeast coast from North Carolina to Florida.

The executive order allows the state’s price gouging law to go into effect, as well as other support measures that may be needed.

The state of emergency declaration waives certain transportation restrictions to help farmers and support relief efforts in advance of the storm. Gov. Cooper issued the order to help farmers statewide after conferring with North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.

“Some farmers have let us know that they are taking action now to harvest and transfer crops to protect them from potential damage and they need these restrictions lifted,” Cooper said in a news release.

While it’s too soon to tell exactly how Dorian will impact the Outer Banks, local authorities are urging people to prepare.

Hyde County’s  Ocracoke Deputy Control Group met Saturday evening to discuss plans ahead of the storm, and will meet again Sunday night to discuss “future protective measures.”

“We hope accurate and timely information will help to facilitate the decision making process when or if protective measures are necessary. Life safety and property protection/conservation are the highest priorities,” county officials said in a news release.

Stay with OBXToday.com for the latest on Hurricane Dorian.

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Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com