President Biden OKs federal aid to North Carolina for Tropical Storm Debby

President Joe Biden authorized emergency funds be used in North Carolina as Tropical Storm Debby makes its way up the coast. The announcement allows for federal aid to the state in numerous counties, according to a White House press release.

The storm has already brought rain and flooding to the coastline of North Carolina, and it's expected to bring possible high winds as well. Much of Central and Eastern North Carolina are under a flood watch.

The announcement from Biden allows the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to aid in disaster relief with the purpose of "alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe."

More than 30 counties, including New Hanover, Brunswick, Cumberland and Pender, will be eligible for 75% federal funding assistance, according to the release. For a full list of counties, read the entire announcement on the White House website.

The national response comes after Gov. Roy Cooper issued a state of emergency order on Monday.

More: NC governor issues state of emergency order ahead of Tropical Storm Debby's arrival

“This weather has the potential to bring intense rain and flooding to North Carolina and we are preparing for it,” Cooper said in a news release. “As the weather becomes more severe, I urge everyone to take precautions and stay safe.”

The storm has also canceled plans for presidential campaigns. Kamala Harris had a visit planned to the Research Triangle on Thursday and JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate, was set to talk to the press the same day in Raleigh and Oakboro. Both Harris and Vance postponed the events due to the tropical storm.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Biden authorizes federal aid to North Carolina for Tropical Storm Debby