RALEIGH  -- North Carolina is beginning to clean up from Hurricane Irma, with trees down and power out in parts of the state.  Irma’s rains will continue across the state, but significant flooding is not expected as North Carolina was spared the full force of the storm.

“As expected, Irma brought strong winds and rain to North Carolina, and crews are already hard at work clearing roads and restoring power,” Governor Roy Cooper said.

Western North Carolina especially saw impacts from the storm overnight.

Power outages peaked at about 77,000 this morning, and about 63,000 homes and businesses remained without power at 12 p.m. – nearly all in western counties.  Power crews are at work on restoration and the situation is improving.

NC Department of Transportation crews are working to clear roads in western counties from downed trees. NC DOT crews have already cleared a landslide from U.S. 221 in McDowell County.

The Blue Ridge Parkway through North Carolina remains closed.

NC Forest Service and NC National Guard chain saw crews are cutting and clearing downed trees and limbs in Buncombe and Macon counties and are prepared to send other crews if needed.

Governor Cooper said North Carolina will continue to reach out to Florida, Georgia and our other neighbors to see what help we can provide as they begin what we know will be a long recovery process.

“All things considered, most of North Carolina has been fortunate in the wake of Hurricane Irma,” Gov. Cooper said. “Some of our neighbors to the south have not been as fortunate, and we stand ready to help.”

Yesterday, the North Carolina Air National Guard flew missions to move needed equipment, personnel and supplies from the midwest to Jacksonville, Florida.  Some National Guard air traffic controllers and airfield maintenance crews have been alerted to be ready to deploy to the U.S. Virgin Islands if needed.

The NC Department of Transportation is preparing to send about 200 employees from the central part of North Carolina to south Florida to assist in cutting trees and moving them out of the way for traffic to get through.

North Carolina continues to welcome evacuees from Florida and other places directly in Irma’s path. Five shelters remain open in Gaston, Guilford, Henderson, Johnston and Mecklenburg counties, providing relief to dozens of individuals and families who evacuated from states to our south.

The governor said emergency mangers continue keeping a close eye on Hurricane Jose and any effects it may have on North Carolina in the future.

“Storm tracks can change often and widely, so we need to remain alert,” said Gov. Cooper. “Keep any unused emergency supplies you may have gathered for Irma in your emergency kit for future needs.”

To find shelter or get other storm related information, you can download the ReadyNC App or call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162.