The Village of Bald Head Island is monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Debby as we begin to experience its impact in our area. Current weather conditions including precipitation amounts can be viewed HERE.
Current Forecast:
The most recent briefing from the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington Office indicates that a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for coastal Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties. A tornado watch is in effect for our area through 5:00 p.m. tonight (tornado safety guidance HERE).
Confidence is high that Debby will bring significant flooding impacts to our area. Some uncertainty continues regarding the exact extent of wind, tornado, and surge impacts. Heavy rain is expected from today into Friday morning. Tropical storm force winds and a storm surge of 2-4 of inundation above ground are possible in our area. Rough surf, including dangerous rip currents and hazardous marine conditions, is expected to persist through late in the week.
The latest briefing from the National Weather Service Wilmington office can be viewed HERE.
Village Actions:
Given the storm’s projection, intensity, and cumulative impacts, the Village will NOT be planning to issue any evacuation orders (either voluntary or mandatory) or opening the Emergency Operations Center.
Village Staff met this morning to attend the Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center meeting and discuss storm response. The State of North Carolina and Brunswick County have issued emergency declarations. Brunswick County’s state of emergency includes a voluntary evacuation for low-lying and flood-prone areas of the county.
In addition, Mayor Quinn has proclaimed a state of emergency for the Village of Bald Head Island. There are no evacuations or curfews associated with this state of emergency. The state of emergency was declared in the event FEMA assistance is requested by the Village.
Village Hall offices will be closed tomorrow (8/7) and Thursday (8/8). Staff will be working remotely. The Island Package Center & Post Office will be closed tomorrow (8/7) and Thursday (8/8).
Essential employees will be on the island throughout the event. There may be downed trees and branches related to this storm. Our crews will be clearing the roads when it is safe to do so.
Guidance for Islanders:
All preparations for the storm should have been completed. Village roads are going to get worse as the heavy rainfall continues through Friday. Please do what you can to stay off the roads. We would like to avoid having disabled carts on the roadways. This could block our emergency vehicles, maintenance, and utility crews.
Duke Energy is monitoring the weather conditions and preparing to respond quickly to Debby. You can view their latest message and some preparedness tips HERE. If you experience an outage, there are multiple ways to report it, that information can be viewed HERE.
Bald Head Island Transportation has issued the following statement:
Please be aware severe weather entering the Cape Fear region may cause ferry delays and suspension or cancellation of service. Please monitor the website and the mobile app for ferry status updates. Those wishing to change their reservations may do so through the website or the app. Instructions for transferring ferry reservations are available in the FAQ section of the website. Please note there must be ferry AND tram space available (if tram is included with your ferry reservation) for your chosen departure to complete the transfer.
For those who may be traveling on the mainland, please consider utilizing the NC Department of Transportation travel information website for real-time information on road closures (HERE). Never go around barriers or try to drive into flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
Stay connected to your trusted weather source for further developments and remain cautious as conditions could become increasingly hazardous.
Additional communications will be coming as the Village continues to respond to Debby.
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Village website
Power Outage Info
ReadyNC
Ready.gov