NORTH CAROLINA ( QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Governor Cooper has declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene as North Carolina prepares for severe weather impacts that could threaten life and property across the state through Saturday morning.

The country has rallied around western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene left disaster-struck mountain towns and cities struggling to get the help and resources they need. As local teams have sprung to action,

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper predicted the death toll would rise as rescuers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads and widespread flooding.