Key Information:
- Bald Head Island remains under a hurricane warning, a storm surge warning, and a flash flood watch.
- Storm Track & Weather Impacts: The latest storm track and weather impacts can be viewed HERE in the National Weather Service’s 3:00 p.m. briefing. Two concerns for this storm are storm surge and tornadoes. Storm surge will be an issue since there is a full moon high tide tonight – causing 3-5 feet inundation above ground level, wave run-up, and significant erosion. The threat of tornadoes occurring while residents sleep is another concern, be ready to take action if you receive a Weather Emergency Alert. The peak time for winds will between 9 p.m. and midnight dropping off between 1 and 3 a.m. The storm should be out of the area by early morning.
- Curfew: The Village will be under a curfew beginning tonight at 5:00 p.m. and ending on tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Please share this with renters who may not see the Village’s communications.
- Transportation: Ferry operations are suspended until further notice. Bald Head Island, Inc. needs prior approval from the US Coast Guard to resume service.
- Village Operations: Partial EOC activated at 3:00 p.m. today. IPC/PO and Village offices reopening – TBD, crews on standby to mobilize early tomorrow AM to check conditions and clear debris. Trash service may be delayed tomorrow but is expected to run.
- Power Outages: Please review the information below from Duke Energy on how to receive outage alerts and report power outages. The Village will pass on any information it receives from Duke Energy regarding widespread outages.
This afternoon, Village officials participated in a conference call with Brunswick County Emergency Services and the National Weather Service. Information from this meeting is noted above.
The Village opened a partial Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at 3:00 p.m. today. The Village is still taking precautions related to COVID-19. Please do not come to the Public Safety building if you need assistance, stay off the roads and call 911. If you need non-emergency assistance, please call 910-457-9700 and 0 for the operator. If you cannot get through also try 910-457-9700 ext. 1025. You can also email public.information@villagebhi.org. Non-emergency phones will be answered until 8:00 p.m. tonight and will resume at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.
The IPC/PO will reopen as soon as possible. There will be a delay in mail and packages that have yet to arrive from Southport. An announcement on Village offices and IPC/PO reopening will be made as soon as that information is available.
If you are on the island, please obey the curfew, it is in place for your safety. The high winds and rain will make the Village wynds dangerous to travel. Please wait until the curfew lifts before you venture out in the morning. Village crews will be mobilized early to check conditions and clear debris. Trash service may be delayed tomorrow but is expected to run. With the very high risk of rip currents, we strongly suggest that you stay out of the water until the rip current risk decreases after Tuesday.
From Duke Energy:
Outage alerts and reporting power outages.
Before the storm hits, customers can sign up to receive outage alerts and should make sure their contact information is up to date and select their communication preferences.
Customers who experience a power outage can report it the following ways:
– Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
– Use the Duke Energy mobile app – download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
– Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
– Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
– Duke Energy Progress: 800-419-6356
For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy). See the outage map at www.duke-energy.com/outages