Key Information:
- Storm track: Current NWS track shows Hurricane Isaias passing near the southeast coast of NC, with tropical storm force winds impacting BHI as early as Monday morning. There is still a level of uncertainty in the track.
- Weather impacts: heavy rain, gusty wind, rough seas through the weekend. The magnitude of these impacts is uncertain especially with winds, surge, and rainfall.
- Transportation expectations: Bald Head Transportation Inc. announced that ferry customers should expect long lines, travel days, possible disruptions/suspended service Sunday through Tuesday. Make travel plans now.
- No voluntary/mandatory evacuation of BHI expected at this time, a possible curfew will be issued coinciding with the arrival of the storm. An emergency meeting of the Council is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
- IPC/PO on regular schedule tomorrow (Saturday), but could close early. Village offices will be closed Monday and will remain closed until deemed safe.
Today, Village staff began preparing for the arrival of the storm including checking equipment, supplies, and securing outdoor items. This afternoon, Village officials participated in a conference call with Brunswick County Emergency Services and the National Weather Service (NWS). Due to the uncertainty in the track of the storm, the magnitude of the storm’s impacts is uncertain. NWS is confident that there will be a rip current threat through the weekend and other marine hazards following shortly thereafter. A track to the west will lead to more impacts and a track to the east will lead to less impacts for our area.
Village officials will continue to monitor the track of the storm and assess the impacts. The Village Council will have an emergency meeting tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the Village’s response to the approaching storm. Click HERE to view the public notice. Space in the meeting room is limited. If you are planning to attend, please wear a face covering while you are in the Public Safety Building. At this time, the Village is not expected to issue a voluntary or mandatory evacuation. However, there is a likelihood the Council will impose a curfew coinciding with the arrival of the storm.
Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. wanted us to share the following regarding Hurricane Isaias:
Ferry passengers should be prepared for long lines, travel delays, disruptions to service and/or suspended service from Sunday, August 2 through Tuesday, August 4 as the storm approaches and moves through our area. Please note: Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. passenger ferries remain at 50% capacity (75 passengers) due to COVID-19 restrictions mandated by the NC Utilities Commission. If you have plans to travel to or from the island, we recommend you make your preparations sooner rather than later.
The Island Package Center and Post Office will be open at its regular time tomorrow, at 8:00 a.m. Staff is asking folks to please pick up your packages early in the day. If the weather worsens and departure times are affected, the Saturday staff has been given the authorization to close the Post Office early so they can leave the island in a reasonable amount of time. The intention is to remain open with a hard close of the window at 4:00 p.m. Village offices will be closed Monday and will reopen when deemed safe.