ROAD CLEARING CONTINUES – VILLAGE OFFICES AND IPC CLOSED – REFREEZING A POSSIBILITY OVERNIGHT
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 The State of Emergency remains in effect until rescinded.
WEATHER INFORMATION:
NWS Wilmington’s latest briefing (routine 5-day) as of 10:26 AM today indicates that a very cold air mass will continue with snowpack and gusty winds to produce dangerous cold conditions through at least early Tuesday morning. This is expected to cause hazardous travel and impacts to infrastructure for the next couple of days. There is a chance of rain Tuesday night through Wednesday.
VILLAGE OPERATIONS:
- Village offices, including the Island Package Center & Post Office, are closed today (Monday, 2/2). Department of Public Safety is on duty as it has been 24/7, Public Works & Utilities have returned to the island today. Remote-capable staff are on duty. Decisions will be made later today on the status for Tuesday.
- 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 service will not be picked up today (Monday, 2/2). We are in contact with the Village’s contractor, GFL, and will let folks know the status for Tuesday (2/3).
- The Village has been posting photos on its social media channels and is uploading photos to a photo gallery HERE.
ROAD CONDITIONS:
The sun yesterday helped melt most areas not under tree cover. Public Works will be putting down sand to help with the remaining snow/ice, starting with areas with inclines & declines, and scraping/pushing, starting with primary roads. Cut and push operations will also resume throughout the day. SEE OUR MESSAGE BELOW ABOUT HEAVY EQUIPMENT
Deputy Chief Brooks reported this morning that yesterday’s efforts with road clearing (cut and push) appear to have helped tremendously in keeping the roads clear for emergency vehicles through this morning.
GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS:
If you are on the island, please stay home. Public Works is currently on the Village roads with HEAVY EQUIPMENT to sand and clear the roads in preparation for trams returning to service and businesses reopening. We are also continuing cut and push operations. If you must be out, please give us space to work and space for YOUR SAFETY. Also, watch out for melting snow falling off trees and buildings.
A refreeze of wet areas will likely occur as the sun goes down. BLACK ICE was observed last night. Traveling at night is strongly discouraged.
Ferry & Barge Service
Ferry service is suspended today (2/2), pending improved conditions. Please use Bald Head Island Transportation Inc.’s app or check the website for real-time status.
The barge is not running today (2/2).
Power Outages
Duke reported to Brunswick County this morning that there were no existing outages. However, due to the persistent cold temperatures, there will be extra demand on the power grid. Be prepared for possible power outages. Please report any power outages to Duke Energy. View our power outage webpage HERE for more information.
Mainland Information
State of Emergencies are in effect for Brunswick County and several municipalities, including Southport. For details on those specific declarations, please go to their official websites and social media for updates.
A brief message about operational status for BHI will be pushed out this evening or as soon as all relevant information is received. For more frequent updates, please check the Village’s Severe Weather Event webpage and social media.