Oct 1, 2022 - Energy & Climate

White House declares state of emergency as Ian approaches North Carolina

TuAnh Dam

Photo: Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The White House has approved a state of emergency for North Carolina as the remnants of Hurricane Ian approach the state on Saturday.

The big picture: Ian, now considered a post-tropical cyclone, will continue to weaken, but heavy rain and gusty winds will still impact the Mid-Atlantic region and New England coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Why it matters: Ian already battered Cuba, Puerto Rico, Florida and South Carolina earlier this week. Over a million customers in Florida remain without power and at least 30 people have died.

Losses from Ian are expected to exceed $30 billion, Axios' Nathan Bomey reports, and is likely to be "one of the largest catastrophic loss events" in U.S. history.

Of note: The White House also declared a major disaster for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Federal aid will assist in programs allowing individuals, families, and business owners to recover from the effects of the disaster, per the White House.

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White House declares state of emergency as Ian approaches North Carolina

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