Sep. 29—HENDERSON — Hurricane Ian is making its way to North Carolina. Accordingly, Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on Thursday.

Vane County Emergency Operations Director Brian Short said as of the time of writing that local officials were "undecided about the need to declare a local state of emergency," but "are ready to do so if it should become necessary."

Other than that, the county has no plans to "implement any emergency protective measures," Short said. "However, we are poised to do so should the need arise."

Officials urge citizens to avoid leaving their homes once the wind and heavy rain starts unless it's absolutely necessary. With the likelihood of falling trees and power lines, travel could be hazardous.

Make sure to check up on your elderly friends, family members or neighbors before and after the storm. Keep pets indoors. If that isn't possible, make sure they're safe outside.

State officials predict 2 to 6 inches of rain from Friday afternoon to midday Saturday, which could result in localized flooding. Wind speeds could gust into the 50-mph range. There is a slight chance of tornadoes south and east of Raleigh. There's a risk of minor flooding of the main river stem across central N.C.

Officials note that, due to dry conditions this year, more severe flooding is unlikely.

"We do not anticipate needing shelters for this event," Short said. The storm will likely impact this area in the form of isolated flash flooding, mostly in urban areas, that end quickly when rain stops.

County officials don't expect Ian's impact to leave any long-term serious issues. That said, local events and organizations are announcing closures and delays.

Granville County Relay for Life has been canceled. Its planning committee will announce future plans later this year. The opening of the Granville Haunt Farm has been postponed until next Friday. CultureFest was pushed back to May 2023.

Vance County schools will be closed to students on Friday. It will remain an optional workday for staff. All campuses close at 1 p.m. Granville County Public Schools followed suit, though its campuses will close around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., depending on the school. Warren County schools will be closed on Friday as well.

When the storm ends, be wary of potential unseen hazards, such as debris or downed power lines, in areas that have experienced damage.

If you experience a power outage, don't call 911. Doing so can prevent people having real emergencies from getting the help they need. Notify Duke Energy or whoever your service provider is instead.

Officials in general recommend putting together a preparedness kit. Put the following items in a watertight and easy to carry container, such as a large plastic trash can:

—Water. One gallon per person per day, preferably a week's supply.

—First aid kit and first aid book.

—Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, like canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals.

—Baby supplies, including formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices.

—Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel.

—Blanket or sleeping bag per person.

—Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries.

—Extra house and car keys.

—Food, water, leash and carrier for pets.

—Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes.

—Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos.

—Bar soap and liquid detergent.

A pair of disturbances are in the Atlantic Ocean Sunday afternoon, one of which the National Hurricane Center estimates has a high chance of becoming a storm system by next weekend and one of which has a high chance of becoming nothing in its 2 p.m. update.

Tropical Storm Orlene became a hurricane Saturday.

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If you live in one of the hurricane-ravaged areas of Southwest Florida like I do, and haven’t been able to get to your property to survey the damage because of high water, washed-out roads or gaps in bridges, there is help.

Residents in central Florida donned fishing waders, boots and bug spray and canoed or kayaked to their homes on streets where floodwaters continued rising Sunday despite it being four days since Hurricane Ian tore through the state. Ben Bertat found 4 inches (10 centimeters) of water in his house by Lake Harney off North Jungle Street in a rural part of Seminole County, north of Orlando, after kayaking to it Sunday morning. Only a day earlier, there had been no water.

A monster-sized Hurricane Ian pummeled Florida on Wednesday with crushing storm surge, obliterating wind speeds and torrential rainfall.

Floridians say they're waiting for hours in long lines hoping to secure enough fuel for cars and generators as Ian leaves many without power.

Before Hurricane Ian, Matlacha was a quaint fishing community that served as the entryway to Pine Island. Hurricane Ian flattened it.

Just off Cape Romano Island and south of Marco Island, the dome homes endured for 40 years. They were built in 1982 by retired oil producer Bob Lee.

Rubio on Sunday told CNN he would fight against the bill if it includes spending unrelated to the hurricane damages. "That's the key," he said.

Update: Cooper said “many hazards remain” across the state, including downed trees and power lines.

Only 13-15% of Floridians have flood insurance, says the Insurance Information Institute.

More than 1.3 million homes and businesses remained without power on Saturday.

Fans of the various Sanibel and Captiva restaurants began posting on social media before Hurricane Ian, many hoping the businesses would pull through.

As Florida and Puerto Rico recover from hurricanes Ian and Fiona, the National Hurricane Center is tracking two more disturbances in the Atlantic.

Everglades City, a small fishing town with a hardscrabble history, is digging out from yet another hurricane: "We know the routine," one local says.