The Village of Bald Head Island is monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Debby as we continue 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 Warning is in effect for coastal Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties. A Flood Watch is in effect for six southeastern NC counties, including Brunswick. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect along coastal Brunswick County.
Confidence is high regarding the progression of Debby, the potential for considerable flooding, and isolated tornadoes. Confidence is moderate regarding the exact extent of wind and surge impacts. Considerable flooding is still possible into Thursday (flood safety guidance HERE). Tropical Storm force winds are possible, especially along coastal areas and the adjacent Atlantic waters (BHI). Isolated tornadoes are possible today and tonight (tornado safety guidance HERE), with the threat shifting away from the area during Thursday. Storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet is possible from Cape Fear southward, and 1 to 3 feet north of Cape Fear, especially with high tide tonight and Thursday morning (storm surge safety guidance HERE).
The latest briefing from the National Weather Service Wilmington office can be viewed HERE.
Village Actions:
The Village, County, and State remain under a state of emergency. The Village is not under any evacuation or curfew orders. The Village’s state of emergency was declared in the event FEMA assistance is requested.
Village Hall offices are closed today (8/7) and will be closed again tomorrow, Thursday 8/8. Staff will be working remotely. The Island Package Center & Post Office is closed today and will also be closed again tomorrow, Thursday 8/8.
Public Services staff are regularly monitoring the lagoon levels. As of this morning, the roads were in good condition. We have Public Safety Officers assessing the roads every 1.5-2 hours. The Public Information Officer will receive reports of any roads that are deemed impassable for golf carts and this will be posted on our social media channels.
Our essential employees will continue to be present 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 (one update RE: Dosher Clinic):
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 issued the following statement (no change since 8/6/24 @ 10:35 a.m.):
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.
The Dosher Bald Head Island Medical Clinic will be closed all day on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
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
Find us on social media HERE.