Gov. Roy Cooper’s declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Florence, including Executive Orders 51 and 52. Order No. 51, declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina. Executive Order No. 52, will temporarily waive the cap on the maximum hours of service restrictions for trucks and heavy vehicles traveling in and through the state, as well as weight restrictions for trucks carrying crops and livestock, to help farmers harvest and transport crops to prepare for problems Tropical Storm Florence may cause.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said,“with the potential impact of Tropical Storm Florence next week and the threat of severe economic loss of livestock, poultry and crops, I appreciate Gov. Cooper issuing a state of emergency for North Carolina. At my recommendation and as allowed by state law, the Governor has directed the Department of Public Safety to temporarily suspend weighing vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry, feed and crops in the emergency area. The order also waives the maximum hours of service allowed for people transporting essential fuels, food, water, medicine, feed for livestock and poultry and those transporting livestock, poultry and crops ready for harvest.
“These Executive Orders will allow our farmers the opportunity to harvest as much of their crops as possible before the storm hits. The orders also will help ensure that livestock, poultry and feed can be moved as necessary.”
If stopped by enforcement officers while in one of the covered counties, drivers should refer to Executive Order No. 52, issued Sept. 7, 2018, suspending weighing and hours of service limitations. CLICK HERE for a copy of Executive Order 52.
