The Village of Bald Head Island is monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Debby as we experience the last of its impacts in our area. Current weather conditions including precipitation amounts can be viewed HERE.
Current Forecast:
The last general briefing from the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington Office for this event indicates that areas of flash flooding will continue today as water pools into low-lying areas and is supported by additional heavy rainfall. The tropical storm force wind gusts are expected to be to our west near Lumberton, NC. The threat of tornadoes is expected to shift away from the area during the afternoon. Minor coastal flooding is possible, especially with the next several high tides.
All threat levels should be minor to moderate by tomorrow (8/9) morning and down to little or no impact by Saturday (8/10) morning.
You can view the last general briefing on Debby from the National Weather Service Wilmington office HERE.
Village Actions:
The Village, County, and State remain under a state of emergency (SOE). 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. The Village’s SOE will likely be lifted sometime tomorrow (8/9).
Village Hall offices are closed today (8/8) and will be closed again tomorrow, Friday 8/9. This is to reduce the burden on the ferry system as it is expected to be at capacity due to the prolonged suspension. Staff will be working remotely and will be available by phone or email.
The Island Package Center & Post Office is closed today and is expected to re-open tomorrow (Friday 8/9) with limited staff. It will also be open on Saturday (8/10). There may be a delay in opening if the ferry is at capacity. The barge has not run since Tuesday a.m. and likely will not run again until tomorrow (8/9). The Deep Point shipping and receiving department was closed yesterday (8/7) and is today (8/8). Expect package delays from all non-USPS carriers and do not rely on package arrival notifications from shippers as this likely means the package is at Deep Point and not on the island. USPS mail has been on hold since Tuesday and is expected to be delivered to the island tomorrow. Check our package tracker HERE to check if your packages have arrived on the island.
Public Services crews will be heading to the island tomorrow to do any necessary road maintenance and debris cleanup. Please be mindful of our vehicles and equipment on the roadways and allow them room to work. This ensures your safety and will help them work as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is advisable to turn around, if possible, rather than attempt to pass them so they can keep working.
As of this morning, the lagoon levels look good. All roads as of now are still passable. Roads have small debris. There is a large amount of ponding at Cape Fear Trail and West Bald Head Wynd, Spikerush and West Bald Head Wynd, and Water Thrush Court. There is ponding in front of the BHI Club entrance to the Village and at Starrush Trail/400 block of South Bald Head Wynd heading west. There are a couple of small ponding areas on the west side of Federal Road. A large tree branch was removed from Edward Teach. Any updates on road conditions will be posted on our social media channels.
Guidance for Islanders:
The rip current risk is HIGH. This means that life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone. The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Always “Know Before You Go” and check the beach forecast before you decide to swim in the ocean. Yesterday we had several folks swimming at East Beach during high rip current conditions. This not only puts individual swimmers at risk, but this also risks the lives of our Public Safety Officers.
In addition, the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is advising against swimming in coastal waters impacted by Tropical Storm Debby. This is due to the stormwater runoff that can contain elevated levels of harmful bacteria that drain into coastal water bodies. On BHI this would mainly apply to the creeks and not the waters adjacent to the high frontal dune system since the Village did not pump stormwater into the ocean for this event. Read the DEQ’s full advisory HERE.
Bald Head Island Transportation issued the following statement (posted 8/7/24 @ 8:21 p.m.):
Due to ongoing tropical storm conditions, our ferry service will remain SUSPENDED until 3 PM on THURSDAY, AUGUST 8th. Upon resuming operations, ferry boarding will be on a first-come, first-served basis to accommodate those affected by service interruption. Please be aware that weather conditions may necessitate further delays or suspensions. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time. For the latest updates on service resumption, please monitor our app or visit our website regularly. Your safety is our top priority. Thank you for your understanding.
The Dosher Bald Head Island Medical Clinic will be closed all day today, Thursday, August 8, 2024. Please call 911 if you need a Public Safety Officer to come to you.
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). Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is also posting road conditions on its app and social media channels. Never go around barriers or try to drive into flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
Unless there are any substantial changes in the forecast, this will be the last Debby-specific announcement from the Village.
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Village website
Power Outage Info
ReadyNC
Ready.gov
Find us on social media HERE.