FERRIES ON DELAYED START AND LIMITED SERVICE TOMORROW – IPC OPENING – WATER SERVICE IMPACTED
The Village of Bald Head Island declared a State of Emergency effective 7:00 AM on February 1, 2026, due to the impact of Winter Storm Gianna. The State of Emergency remains in effect until rescinded.
FERRY/BARGE OPERATIONS:
Sharing the latest from BHI Transportation, Inc.
2/2/26 @ 2:40 pm – Due to the continued State of Emergency declared by the City of Southport because of hazardous road conditions, Bald Head Island Transportation will continue the suspension of ferry service through the remainder of today as previously announced. At this time, we anticipate limited passenger ferry service to resume tomorrow, February 3, at 10:30 a.m. from Deep Point Terminal and to continue on a normal operating schedule thereafter. Luggage and tram services will not begin with the 10:30 a.m. departure. The feasibility of adding these services will be evaluated during the early portion of the day as conditions continue to improve. Barring any unforeseen changes to improving conditions, we anticipate that normal operations, to include contractor ferry, will resume on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
VILLAGE OPERATIONS:
- The Island Package Center and Post Office is expected to reopen tomorrow (2/3) at 11 a.m. (staff hope to be on the 10:30 a.m. ferry to the island) and will close at 3:00 p.m. At a minimum, USPS first-class mail will be put up.
- Village administrative offices will be closed tomorrow (2/3) with staff working remotely.
- As a reminder, the retreat scheduled for tomorrow and Wednesday (2/3 & 2/4), has been cancelled. The regular meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Zoom details: https://ow.ly/Y4F550VgqFc Agenda: https://ow.ly/9mW050VgqFa
- Trash pickup will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, 2/3), assuming GFL employees can make it over on the ferry when it resumes. They should continue pickups on Wednesday if routes are not completed.
- The Village has been posting photos on its social media channels and is uploading photos to a photo gallery HERE.
WATER SERVICE:
Due to little or no water pressure throughout the system, the Village issued an island-wide System Pressure Advisory at approximately 3:00 today (2/2). This advisory will be in effect until lab results confirm that the water is potable. This typically takes 24-48 hours after repairs are made and could take longer due to recent storm impacts.
Any updates will be posted on the Village’s Utilities webpage HERE. The notice rescinding the advisory will be posted on that webpage, on social media, via the Village’s Voice email blasts, and CodeRED.
Owner Shut-Off Valves
Prior to recent freezing temperature conditions, Village Utilities offered to shut off water service for customers to help avoid emergency situations in which pipes burst and cause damage to homes. Village Utilities would like BHI property owners to consider installing an “owners shut off valve.” This valve can be and should be installed by a licensed plumber and will be located behind the Village’s meter box. This investment will give you, the property owner, or your property manager, a way to turn the water service off and on conveniently, and without worrying about remembering to have your water service reconnected by Village Utilities for a fee each time (currently $67.99 per reconnect).
GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS:
A refreeze of wet areas is likely to occur due to the lack of sun. BLACK ICE was observed last night. Therefore, traveling at night is strongly discouraged. Brunswick County recently shared THIS MESSAGE FROM NCDOT about black ice in our region. Please note that the Village does not have NCDOT-maintained roads.
For more frequent updates, please check the Village’s Severe Weather Event webpage and social media.