Gov. Stein says state ‘dodged a bullet’ with Hurricane Erin while touring cleanup

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Governor Josh Stein was on the coast on Friday after Hurricane Erin moved further offshore into the Atlantic Ocean. The storm brought some damage to coastal towns, but overall, the Governor says the state is in good shape.

“My goodness, North Carolina dodged a bullet with Hurricane Erin,” Governor Stein said.

Days before the storm, he declared a state of emergency and activated emergency response groups like the National Guard, the Department of Transportation, and Emergency Management.

“Knowing that additional state and federal resources were staged and ready to assist was most assuring and extremely essential,” Bob Woodard, a Dare County Commissioner, said of the help.

With the storm now gone, cleanup beings. It’s mainly happening on Hatteras Island, where the brunt of the damage happened. Another focus area is NC 12, which Department of Transportation officials say didn’t sustain any damage, only sand and water.

“We know NC12 is the interstate of the Outer Banks, it’s important to use we help that recover to pre-storm conditions,” Joey Hopkins, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, said.

It’s a relief for Emergency Management leaders, but a bigger relief for coastal residents who are no strangers to major storms.

“We’re well tested, and we work hard to be resilient and self-sufficient, but we also know that our strength is multiplied when we have the support of these folks standing before you today,” Woodard said.