KEY INFORMATION:
- Milton & Leslie’s projected paths take them well off the coast of NC, today’s impacts.
- Update on NC 211 repairs in Southport, the canal bridge is expected to open this morning.
- Brunswick County’s post-disaster aerial mosquito spraying begins tomorrow, BHI will be sprayed on 10/11 and 10/12.
- All grinder pumps are back in service, post-storm Q&A and after-action review.
Milton & Leslie
The Village has been keeping an eye on both Milton and Leslie as they approach the southeast coast. Both are projected to stay well to the south of our area. For today, the National Weather Service Wilmington office is predicting a variety of impacts as Milton passes, including hazardous marine conditions (the barge is currently suspended). A tropical storm warning is in effect for all local coastal waters through 2 a.m. Friday morning. The wind gusts will be elevated across the area today (gusts to 40 mph) near the coast. We will experience rough surf conditions with a high rip current risk through tomorrow. Minor coastal flooding is forecasted for local beaches during this afternoon’s high tide. For the latest weather information from NWS go HERE.
NC 211 Update
Per a press release from the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) released yesterday (10/9/24), a portion of Brunswick County’s N.C. 211 will reopen to traffic ahead of schedule after an existing bridge was damaged by a storm last month. The N.C. 211 bridge over the canal just north of Southport is scheduled to reopen to traffic mid-morning today (10/10/24). It closed Sept. 16 after a large amount of rain fell and caused extensive damage to the bridge prompting the NCDOT and its contractor to construct a detour onto the new bridge over the canal.
When the highway reopens, drivers will utilize the new alignment and bridge and then back onto the main roadway. Barricades, signs, and pavement markings will guide drivers through this new traffic pattern. Drivers should note the N.C. 211 bridge at Dutchman Creek, which was also damaged beyond repair by the same storm, remains closed. Traffic will be directed to take Dosher Cutoff SE to N.C. 87.
According to the release, NCDOT and contract crews are also diligently working at this location and are hopeful to have it reopened by the end of the month. The department will notify the public ahead of it reopening too. Both sections of the roadway impacted by the storm are part of the project to widen N.C. 211. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Mosquito Spraying
Brunswick County has announced that post-disaster aerial spraying for mosquitoes will begin Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, weather permitting. Spraying will start at dusk. According to the map, Bald Head Island will be sprayed on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12.
The countywide aerial spraying is part of Brunswick County’s emergency response to the increased mosquito populations caused by heavy rainfall and flooding from Tropical Storm Debby and PTC #8. Aerial spraying poses minimal risk to people, pets, animals, and the environment. However, there is a possibility that spraying insecticides can cause eye irritation. If possible, please avoid being outside during evening hours on Friday and Saturday.
Beekeepers are encouraged to take precautions to protect their hives. Any beekeepers with questions should contact N.C. Cooperative Extension – Brunswick County Center at 910-253-2610 or visit brunswick.ces.ncsu.edu for information.
View Brunswick County’s full announcement HERE. Sign up to receive Brunswick County’s announcements HERE.
The Village continues to perform post-storm mosquito control on the island and this effort will supplement these efforts. Property owners can place a service request online (HERE) if they notice no improvements.
Grinder Pumps & Post-Storm Review
All grinder pumps that were shut off due to PTC #8 are back in service as of Tuesday, October 8. As a reminder, approximately 130 grinder pumps were shut off because they were submerged by stormwater. A submerged grinder pump will continuously send stormwater to the wastewater plant which can possibly overwhelm the capacity of the plant, causing a much larger issue. Shutting them off reduces the pressure on the plant. When stormwaters recede, the grinder pumps can be turned back on if they are determined serviceable.
Village staff will be meeting next week to do an after-action review of PTC #8 storm response and will be finalizing a Q&A document based on the questions received after the event. That document will be posted on the Village website and a link to the document will be included in a future Village’s Voice announcement or e-newsletter. We continue to update our Severe Weather Event webpage (HERE) and share relevant information on our social media channels (HERE).