WEATHER FORECAST
The latest briefing from NWS Wilmington HERE (released 2:51 1/23).
Key messages:
- Confidence is increasing in significant impacts from wintry precipitation (mainly freezing rain) this weekend, especially near/west of I-95, although ice accumulations remain uncertain.
- Moderate to high confidence that a wintry mix of precipitation (mainly sleet/freezing rain) will begin late Saturday. The main window of concern is Saturday night and early Sunday.
- Precipitation will change to all rain late Sunday afternoon as temperatures warm, especially near the coast.
- High confidence in dangerous cold temperatures following through much of next week, especially Monday night when single-digit wind chill temps are possible.
TRAVEL INFORMATION TO CONSIDER
- BHI Transportation, Inc.’s latest message: “Bald Head Island Transportation is currently monitoring the potential for winter weather this upcoming weekend. While we do not anticipate any impacts to normal operations, there is the potential for gale-force winds that may cause delays or cancellations. Weather conditions and forecasts can change rapidly, so please continue to monitor our app and website for the latest updates.” (Posted 11:30 a.m. 1/23)
- Bridges will ice over before roadways, so even if travel near BHI and the NC coast may be fine, regional travel may be limited.
- Cold temperatures could create lingering travel hazards across NC for several days as roadwaysre-freeze overnight.
- If you are visiting from or previously lived in an area that routinely responds to winter weather, travel in this region may still be different and dangerous from what you are used to. Do not assume local road conditions and other drivers are similar to what you have previously experienced.
GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS
- Islanders should have already taken measures to protect pipes, as they are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F or 0°C. View some tips HERE.
- Islanders should safely heat their homes. Housefires and carbon monoxide are two of the greatest risks for personal injury and even death. View some tips HERE.
- Be prepared for possible power outages. Report any power outages to Duke Energy. View our power outage webpage HERE for more information. And follow Duke Energy’s guidance (HERE) for preparing for this event.
- Check Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc.’s app or website for updates on ferry service should this weather have an impact on ferry operations.
VILLAGE RESPONSE
- The Village is monitoring the NWS forecast/briefings and is receiving information from Brunswick County Emergency Services regularly.
- There are no State of Emergency declarations for Brunswick County or any of its municipalities, including the Village of Bald Head Island, at this time.
- Village operations are on normal schedules, which includes the Island Package Center and Post Office for Saturday, 1/24.
- The Village will be monitoring road conditions and posting any updates on its website and social media. The Timber Bridge is likely to be closed during this event.
- The Severe Weather Webpage has been activated and will serve as the primary source of any needed updates from the Village.