Severe Weather Event

Milton

10/10/2024

For today, the National Weather Service Wilmington office is predicting various 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. (Posted 10/10 at 9:50 AM)

10/9/2024

From the National Weather Service Wilmington Office – Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for local coastal waters south of Murrells Inlet, with Tropical Storm Watches north to Surf City. High clouds will be increasing today with seasonable temperatures. Breezy and cool conditions are in store for Thursday. Hazardous marine and surf conditions Thursday and Friday due to Milton.

Check for the latest information on this storm HERE and HERE. (Posted 10/9 at 9:16 AM)

Response to Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 & Helene

10/9/2024 Update

Bald Head Island is included in Brunswick County’s post-disaster aerial spraying for mosquitoes scheduled for this Friday & Saturday (10/11 & 10/12). Details: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=299

10/8/2024 Update

Village Utilities turned on the last three grinder pumps that were not in service. ALL grinder pumps shut off due to PTC #8 are now in service.

10/3/2024 Update

  • NCDEQ has lifted its swimming advisory for Bald Head Island. More info HERE.
  • Village Utilities did not shut off any grinder pumps today. They turned on one grinder pump. 3 grinder pumps are not in service. More info HERE.

10/2/2024 Update

The Village has rescinded its State of Emergency. Please read THIS ANNOUNCEMENT for more information.

10/1/2024 Updates

  • The Village of Bald Head Island is still under a State of Emergency (SOE). While most of our sewer customers have been restored, the flows to the wastewater treatment plant are still elevated. The SOE will remain in place since we still have homes without sewer service and continue pumping stormwater off the island.
  • The Village continues to pump stormwater off the island (Day 15).
  • Village Utilities did not shut off any grinder pumps today. They turned on one grinder pump. 14 grinder pumps are not in service. More info HERE.
  • There is still a swimming advisory in effect for BHI. It will be in effect until stormwater pumping into the waterways ends.
  • There is still only one way in and out of Southport. View this MAP for suggested routes.
  • The Department of Public Safety Administrative office will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the remainder of the week (Wednesday – Friday).

9/30/2024 Updates

  • The Village of Bald Head Island is still under a State of Emergency (SOE). While most of our sewer customers have been restored, the flows to the wastewater treatment plant are still elevated. The SOE will remain in place since we still have homes without sewer service and continue pumping stormwater off the island.
  • The Village continues to pump stormwater off the island (Day 14).
  • Village Utilities did not shut off any grinder pumps today. They turned on the grinder pumps that were not underwater and operable (4). 15 grinder pumps are still underwater. More info HERE.
  • There is still a swimming advisory in effect for BHI. It will be in effect until stormwater pumping into the waterways ends.
  • There is still only one way in and out of Southport. View this MAP for suggested routes.

9/28/2024 Updates

  • The Village of Bald Head Island is still under a State of Emergency (SOE). While most of our sewer customers have been restored, the flows to the wastewater treatment plant are still elevated. The SOE will remain in place since we still have homes without sewer service and continue pumping stormwater off the island.
  • The Village continues to pump stormwater off the island (Day 12).
  • 19 grinder pumps are still underwater (no sewer service). These will be checked on Monday. HERE is the list of grinder pumps that are still off.
  • The latest road condition report for BHI can be found HERE (last updated 9/27 at 4:30 p.m.)
  • There is still a swimming advisory in effect for BHI. It will be in effect at least until stormwater pumping into the waterways ends.
  • The Island Package Center and Post Office will be open on its normal schedule today (9/28). Barge service was suspended Friday so no packages that arrived at Deep Point Thursday PM or Friday have made it to the island. USPS mail and packages will be available for pick up. Check the package tracker (HERE) to determine if your packages are on the island.
  • Traffic remains congested in Southport at times. The City of Southport (and others) have been working with NCDOT to minimize the congestion as there is only one way in and one way out of Southport proper.  View this MAP for suggested routes.

9/27/2024 Storm Updates
These items will be updated throughout the day as more info becomes available.

LATEST MESSAGES FROM THE VILLAGE

Helene Update #2 from the Village has been posted view it HERE. (Posted 5:50 p.m. 9/27)

UPDATE: Ferry service is operating. Check for updates HERE.
From Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. – Friday, September 27th – Ferry service will be temporarily suspended due to adverse weather. The next departure is scheduled for 1:30 PM from Bald Head Island. Please continue to monitor our website or mobile app for the latest service updates. Thank you for your patience. (Posted on BHIT’s site/app 9/27 at 12:11 p.m.)

UPDATE: Power is restored (as of 2:59 PM 9/27)
Power is out at some of our Village facilities. Please report your power outage to Duke Energy, info HERE. If you are having other issues with service (cable/cell/internet), please contact your service provider. (Posted 9/27 at 11:12 AM)

UPDATE: The tree has been removed from the roadway (Posted 9/27 11:08 AM).
There is a tree down on Lighthouse Wynd between Village Hall and the Bald Head Association. We have crews working to move it out of the roadway. If headed to the IPC/PO you will need to use Ballast Stone Alley. (Posted on socials 9/27 at 8:38 a.m.)

Helene Update #1 from the Village has been posted view it HERE. (Posted 9/26 at 11:26 AM)

STATE OF EMERGENCY

The Village of Bald Head Island is still under a State of Emergency (SOE). While most of our sewer customers have been restored, the flows to the wastewater treatment plant are still elevated. Since we still have homes without sewer service and continue pumping stormwater off the island, the SOE will remain in place.

RESPONSE UPDATES

The Village continues to pump stormwater off the island (Day 11).

Posted 9/27 12:23 PM:
Village Utilities did not shut off any grinder pumps today. They turned on the remainder of the grinder pumps that were not underwater (4). There are 19 grinder pumps that are still underwater. These will be checked on Monday.
HERE is a list of grinder pumps that are still off.
HERE is the full list of grinder pumps that were shut off due to PTC #8.

The latest road condition report can be found HERE (updated 9/27 at 4:30 p.m.)

WEATHER UPDATES

View the latest National Weather Service Wilmington briefing for Helene HERE (the 9/26 6:00 PM briefing was the last one, barring any major change).

The local impacts of Helene are expected to include:

  • Gusty winds – isolated downed trees, possible power outages.
  • Some areas of flooding – 1-3 inches of rainfall is expected with some localized higher amounts possible. There could be some flash flooding, especially in areas where the ground is still saturated by PTC 8.
  • Isolated tornadoes – threat will last through today, safety info HERE.
  • Dangerous surf conditions – strong rip currents today through Friday.

 If you are on social media you can follow NWS Wilmington here: Facebook X Instagram

GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS

Helene’s impacts could affect ferry and barge service.  Please stay up-to-date by checking the BHI Transportation app/website and barge website (The barge is suspended for the day, per message received from BHIT at 11:58 p.m. 9/27).

Islanders should be staying up-to-date on the latest weather forecast.

Property owners have secured items that could blow away with the wind gusts, and elevated items susceptible to flood. Disaster supplies kits should be restocked.

There is still a swimming advisory in effect for BHI. The advisory from the State released today lifted the advisory from most areas in New Hanover and Brunswick counties but left BHI’s as still in effect. Water samples were sent to the State yesterday. BHI Conservancy (which performs the water testing) provided the following update this morning (posted & shared on socials at 9:02 a.m. 9/27):

There is still a precautionary swimming advisory for Bald Head Island as long as flood waters are being pumped to the ocean, since they have potential to contaminate recreational waters. Beach water samples taken Tuesday on Bald Head Island and analyzed by the state DEQ had relatively low enterococci bacteria concentrations, however.

S16A (River Beach): 31 MPN/100 ml
S16B (South Beach): 10 MPN/100 ml
S16C (East Beach): 9 MPN/100 ml

BHI Creek water samples taken Wednesday and analyzed by BHI Conservancy had similarly low enterococci concentrations.

Please keep in mind that there is potential for bacterial pollution as long as floodwaters are being pumped, and Hurricane Helene could create more stormwater pollution issues. Be safe out there!

Strong rip currents today. Always know before you go and check the beach forecast.

VILLAGE OPERATIONS

The Island Package Center and Post Office will be open tomorrow (9/28) on its normal schedule.  USPS mail and packages will be available for pick up.  Since the barge was not in service today, packages delivered at Deep Point late Thursday and today have not been delivered to the island. Check the package tracker (HERE) for the status of your package(s).

Village offices will be closed today (9/27) with office staff working remotely.  You may contact them by email or phone (directory).

The Island Package Center and Post Office will be open today on its normal schedule. Barge service is suspended today (9/27) which will delay package delivery to the island (the barge does not run on weekends).  USPS mail and packages will be delivered to the island via ferry if it is running normally. Check the package tracker (HERE) to determine if your packages made it there.

Essential personnel are on the island today to manage the Village’s response to Helene.

SOUTHPORT TRAFFIC UPDATES

Traffic remains congested in Southport at times. The City of Southport (and others) have been working with NCDOT to minimize the congestion as there is only one way in and one way out of Southport proper.  View this MAP for suggested routes.

NCDOT: Officials Urge Drivers to Take Alternative Route Ahead of Detour – Read this News Flash from Brunswick County sent on 9/26/24 at 2:41 p.m. HERE.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY UPDATES

View the latest update from Brunswick County HERE. (Posted 9/27/24 at 4:00 PM)

9/26/2024 Storm Updates

LATEST MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE

Helene Update #1 from the Village has been posted view it HERE. (Posted 9/26 at 11:26 AM)

STATE OF EMERGENCY

The Village of Bald Head Island is still under a State of Emergency (SOE). While most of our sewer customers have been restored, the flows to the wastewater treatment plant are still elevated. In account of the approaching severe weather (Helene) and with an abundance of caution, the SOE will remain in place.

RESPONSE UPDATES

The Village continues to pump stormwater off the island (Day 10).

The latest grinder pump information can be found HERE. Impacted customers are receiving updates via the CodeRed notification system (last message sent 9/26 at 4:19 PM).

The latest road condition report can be found HERE.

WEATHER UPDATES

View the latest National Weather Service Wilmington briefing for Helene HERE.

The local impacts of Helene are expected to include:

  • Gusty winds – starting tonight, isolated downed trees, possible power outages.
  • Some areas of flooding – starting tonight, 1-3 inches of rainfall is expected with some localized higher amounts possible. There could be some flash flooding, especially in areas where the ground is still saturated by PTC 8.
  • Isolated tornadoes – threat starting late tonight into Friday, safety info HERE.
  • Dangerous surf conditions – strong rip currents today through Friday.
GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS

Property owners should be tying down items that could blow away with the wind gusts, elevating items susceptible to flood, restocking their disaster supplies kit, and staying up-to-date on the latest weather forecast.

There is still a swimming advisory in effect for BHI. The advisory from the State released today lifted the advisory from most areas in New Hanover and Brunswick counties but left BHI’s as still in effect. Water samples were sent to the State yesterday. We should receive an updated notice in the next few days if it can be lifted.

Strong rip currents through Friday. Always know before you go and check the beach forecast.

Helene’s impacts could affect ferry and barge service.  Please stay up-to-date by checking the BHI Transportation app/website and barge website.

VILLAGE OPERATIONS

Village offices will be closed tomorrow (9/27) with office staff working remotely.  You may contact them by email or phone (directory).

The Island Package Center and Post Office will be open tomorrow on its normal schedule barring any ferry delays. Barge service may be impacted tomorrow which will delay package delivery to the island.  USPS mail and packages are expected to be delivered to the island via ferry if it is running normally. Check the package tracker (HERE) to determine if your packages made it there.

Essential personnel will be on the island tomorrow to manage the Village’s response to Helene.

SOUTHPORT TRAFFIC UPDATES

Traffic remains congested in Southport at times. The City of Southport (and others) have been working with NCDOT to minimize the congestion as there is only one way in and one way out of Southport proper.  View this MAP for suggested routes.

NCDOT: Officials Urge Drivers to Take Alternative Route Ahead of Detour – Read this News Flash from Brunswick County sent on 9/26/24 at 2:41 p.m. HERE.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY UPDATES

View the latest update from Brunswick County HERE. (Posted 9/26/24 at 4:49 PM)

Response to Potential Tropical Cyclone #8

9/25/2024 Storm Response Updates

  • The Village of Bald Head Island is still under a State of Emergency (SOE). While most of our sewer customers have been restored, the flows to the wastewater treatment plant are still elevated. In account of the approaching severe weather and with an abundance of caution, the SOE will remain in place.
  • The Village continues to pump stormwater off the island (Day 9).
  • Village Utilities did not shut off any grinder pumps today. They turned on 19 more. There are still some that are underwater. Thank you for your patience. HERE is the updated list of homes impacted.
  • The Village’s road condition list has been updated, HERE is the latest as of 1:00 p.m. today (9/25).
  • Read the latest update from Brunswick County on PTC #8 response and potential impacts from Helene. HERE (Info as of 9/25/24 at 4 p.m.).
  • Governor Cooper Declared a State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Helene view media release & order HERE.
  • From NCDOT: Please help ease some of the congestion caused by the NC 211 outage near Southport. If you are on NC 211 and want to head north, please use NC 906 rather than NC 133 / NC 87. The turn from NC 133 to NC 87 closed this AM (9/25/24). See map below.

9/24/2024 Storm Response Updates

The posts below were moved from our Media webpage.

9/23/2024 Storm Response Updates

As the Village continues to respond to the storm event, some of our social media posts will be posted on this webpage to supplement the once-a-day announcements going out via email (which can be found on our website homepage). If you are on social media, please share the Village’s posts on other BHI pages. For those not on social media, see below.

Link to updated list HERE. Posted on 9/23/24 at 10:50 AM
Link to updated list HERE. Posted on 9/23/24 at 10:50 AM

9/22/2024 Storm Response Updates

As the Village continues to respond to the storm event, some of our social media posts will be posted on this webpage to supplement once-a-day (as of today) announcements going out via email (which can be found on our website homepage). If you are on social media, please share the Village’s posts on other BHI pages. For those not on social media, see below.

Road condition report as of 9/22/2024 12:30 PM HERE. Public Safety hopes to do another assessment this evening.
Posted 9/22/24 at 3:52 PM

The Village is assessing the road conditions and the sewer system this morning. We will be posting notices of this to our social media channels shortly. As soon as we receive updates from the field, we will be posting those updates to our social channels, this webpage, and sewer customers via the CodeRED notification system. We expect to send out our daily e-mail update late afternoon/early evening.
Posted 9/22/24 at 10:05 AM. Updated 10:36 AM

UPDATE: ISSUE BELOW HAS BEEN RESOLVED! Posted 9/22/24 at 10:00 AM
The Village is aware that the announcement links from the homepage and those posted on social media are currently not working. We currently have IT looking into the issue right now. In the meantime, we have copied and pasted the last message (Storm Response Update #12 sent at 6:42 pm. 9/21) below:

The issue was resolved Update #12 can be viewed HERE.

9/21/2024 Storm Response Updates

As the Village continues to respond to the storm event, some of our social media posts will be posted on this webpage to supplement the AM and PM announcements going out via email (which can be found on our website homepage). If you are on social media, please share the Village’s posts on other BHI pages. For those not on social media, see below.

Posted 9/21/2024 at 6:13 PM
Posted 9/21/2024 at 6:13 PM
Another pinchpoint for those traveling the roads of BHI. Posted 9/21024 at 2:19 PM.
Another pinchpoint for those traveling the roads of BHI. Posted 9/21024 at 2:19 PM.
Posted 9/21/2024 at 2:00 PM
Posted 9/21/2024 at 2:00 PM
Posted 9/21/2024 at 1:10 PM
Posted 9/21/2024 at 1:10 PM

The road condition list has been updated and forwarded to Brunswick County to be included on the map. List here: https://ow.ly/5n0j50TrVU9 Map here: https://ow.ly/wC5j50TrVU6

Posted on 9/21/2024 at 12:17 PM

Posted 9/21/24 at 10:26 AM.
Posted 9/21/24 at 10:26 AM.

9/20/2024 Storm Response Updates

As the Village continues to respond to the storm event, some of our social media posts will be posted on this webpage to supplement the AM and PM announcements going out via email (which can be found on our website homepage). If you are on social media, please share the Village’s posts on other BHI pages. For those not on social media, see below.

Posted 9/20/2024 at 11:52 AM
Posted 9/20/2024 at 11:52 AM
Posted 9/20/2024 10:34 AM
Posted 9/20/2024 10:34 AM

Bald Head Island road conditions/closures are now available on the Brunswick County Road Conditions and Closures map. View HERE.

Posted 9/20/2024 7:02 AM (this was posted on social media last night).
Posted 9/20/2024 7:02 AM (this was posted on social media last night).
Posted 9/20/2024 6:58 AM.
Posted 9/20/2024 6:58 AM.

9/19/2024 Storm Response Updates

As the Village continues to respond to the storm event, some of our social media posts will be posted on this webpage to supplement the AM and PM announcements going out via email (which can be found on our website homepage). If you are on social media, please share the Village’s posts on other BHI pages. For those not on social media, see below.

Posted 9/19/2024 at 7:22 AM
Posted 9/19/2024 at 7:22 AM

9/18/2024 Storm Response Updates

As information is coming in from Village crews and elsewhere this morning, we will be pushing out information to Islanders on our social media channels. If you are on social media, please share the Village’s posts on other BHI pages. For those not on social media, but on our TextMyGov system, we are posting information on this webpage. See the latest messages below:

Posted on 9/18/24 at 11:11 AM
Posted on 9/18/24 at 11:11 AM
Posted on 9/18/2024 at 11:01 AM
Posted on 9/18/2024 at 11:01 AM
Poste 9/18024 at 8:20 AM
Poste 9/18024 at 8:20 AM
Posted 9/18/24 at 8:14 AM
Posted 9/18/24 at 8:14 AM

9/17/2024 Storm Response Updates

As information is coming in from Village crews and elsewhere this morning, we will be pushing out information to Islanders on our social media channels. If you are on social media, please share the Village’s posts on other BHI pages. For those not on social media, but on our TextMyGov system, we are posting information on this webpage. See the latest messages below:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/tK2PqmFUugU?feature=oembedVideo taken earlier today. Thank you, Patricia! Posted 9/17/24 at 8:16 PM

Posted 9/17/2024 at 8:04 PM
Posted 9/17/2024 at 8:04 PM
Posted 9/17/2024 at 4:53 PM
Posted 9/17/2024 at 4:53 PM
Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:12 PM
Posted on 9/17/24 at 2:12 PM
Posted 9:48 AM
Posted 9:48 AM
Posted 9:35 AM
Posted 9:35 AM

Grinder Pump Alarms – Village Utilities is aware that grinder pump alarms are going off island-wide. The alarm should shut off automatically when the flood water recedes. If your alarm is going off at your residence, please limit your water usage (no running of dishwashers and washing machines and no long showers). Posted 9/17/24 9:23 AM

In addition to https://drivenc.gov/ the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, NC social media is another source for current road conditions on the mainland. Posted 9/17/24 8:41 AM

Several roads on the mainland remain impassable. Islanders who are considering alternate transportation off the island are advised to wait until road conditions improve. Graphic below is a live view of https://drivenc.gov/. Posted 9/17/24 8:27 AM

Map showing multiple road closures and impassable routes around Smithville and Southport.

Due to the suspension of the BHI ferries, Village offices will be closed today, this includes Public Safety administration and the Island Package Center and Post Office. Office employees are working remotely and can be reached by phone or email (directory HERE). Posted 9/17/24 at 8:04 AM

BHI Public Safety reports that the water on West Bald Head Wynd has not receded at all on the Seagull Trail End. There is still extremely high water. Please stay off the roads so our crews can work to assess the flooding conditions and execute the Village’s Stormwater Management Plan as stated in our last update (https://villagebhi.org/announcement/severe-weather-update-3/). Posted 9/17/24 at 7:38 AM