Key Information:
- Bald Head Island is currently under a tropical storm watch, flash flood watch, and storm surge watch.* Isaias was downgraded to a tropical storm last evening.
- The Village issued a State of Emergency effective yesterday at noon due to the expected impacts of Isaias.
- Storm track: The forecast track remains very close to the southeast U.S. coast Monday then the storm will lift quickly away to the mid-Atlantic coast during Tuesday. The current track will bring the greatest impacts to the area Monday night into early Tuesday morning. Conditions should begin to improve for the area during Tuesday as the storm quickly exits. (from NWS Wilmington 8/2 – 7 AM briefing).
- Weather impacts: Tropical storm force winds are possible by Tuesday morning. The gusty winds could cause downed trees/limbs and some power outages. Some storm surge inundation and beach erosion are possible, especially with high tide Monday night from Cape Fear southward to northeast SC coastal areas. Heavy rainfall is possible along with some flooding of poor drainage and flood prone areas. Currently, most areas are expected to receive 4-6” with some locally higher amounts possible. Some tornadoes are possible, especially Monday afternoon/night into Tuesday morning. The potential for some minor river flooding will exist, but the outlook could change as the forecast rainfall is adjusted. Hazardous maritime conditions will develop later this weekend and especially during Monday night across adjacent coastal waters. In addition, strong rip currents are possible today through Tuesday (from NWS Wilmington 8/2 – 7 AM briefing).
- Transportation expectations: On 7/31 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. The Village will pass on updates from BHI Transportation as they become available.
This morning Village officials participated in a conference call with National Weather Service and Brunswick County Emergency Services partners ahead of the Council’s emergency meeting. The current watches, storm track, and weather impact updates from the call are noted above. The Village will continue to keep a very close eye on the storm, evaluate the impacts it will have on our island, and respond accordingly
The Village issued a State of Emergency effective yesterday at noon due to the expected impacts of Isaias. The State of Emergency included a provision prohibiting recreational day visitors from the island. Property owners who might want to come to the Island to do some storm prep of their own but not stay overnight are not prohibited. There was consensus from the Village Council that as long as the storm remained a Category 1 or weaker, the Village will not issue a mandatory or voluntary evacuation. The Council discussed a curfew and at that time there was a likelihood the Village would issue a curfew for the island. The Village Council will be meeting at 3:00 p.m. today to continue the discussion on the Village’s response to Isaias. Due to COVID-19 space is limited for in-person attendance. Those who wish to listen-in can call the Village’s conference call line at 855-369-0450 Pin 41 787 483. Those who will be attending in-person should wear a mask while in the Public Safety complex.
***Please note that Brunswick County has scheduled a conference call for 3:00 p.m. today as well so the meeting will begin with the Council participating in this call.
Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. shared 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 Village will continue to pass on updates from Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. as they become available.
If you are planning on staying on the island, please review the “to do list” from yesterday (CLICK HERE). It includes a list of recommended tasks to complete prior to the bad weather arriving.
*Watch vs. Warnings –
Watch means the conditions are possible.
Warnings mean that the conditions are expected.
NWS definitions for specific weather conditions HERE.