Severe Weather Event

POSTED 2/3/2025 at 5:06 PM

The Village has terminated its State of Emergency. The Village just sent its last announcement related to Winter Storm Gianna. View HERE. Updates on water service will still be sent out and posted on the Village’s Utilities webpage HERE.

POSTED 2/3/2026 12:06 PM

POSTED 2/3/2026 9:14 AM

Update on Water Service

Village Utilities is still working to restore system pressure. They have found multiple leaks in the system and are working to identify more and make repairs as quickly as possible.

Consumers can help by continuing to limit water usage.

When full pressure returns, the Village will send an announcement. The system pressure advisory will still be in effect when full service is restored and until labs confirm the water is safe to drink.

Thank you for your patience.

POSTED 2/3/2026 at 7:42 AM

Limited passenger ferry service begins today (2/3) at 10:30 a.m. from Deep Point Terminal (see full message below). Barge service is suspended for the day (2/3).
The Island Package Center and Post Office is expected to reopen today (2/3) at 11 a.m. (staff hope to be on the 10:30 a.m. ferry to the island) and will close at 3:00 p.m. At a minimum, USPS first-class mail will be put up.
Village administrative offices will be closed today (2/3) with staff working remotely.
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 pickup will take place today (Tuesday, 2/3), assuming GFL employees can make it over on the ferry when it resumes. They should continue pickups on Wednesday if routes are not completed.
A system pressure advisory remains in effect. Any updates will be posted on the Village’s Utilities webpage HERE.

POSTED 2/2/2026 at 6:20 PM

The Village just sent out its PM Severe Weather Event Update. View it HERE.

POSTED 2/2/2026 at 3:47 PM

The Village sent out a few messages today between 1:00 and 3:30. View them HERE.

Sharing the latest from BHI Transportation, Inc.

2/2/26 @ 2:40 pm – Due to the continued State of Emergency declared by the City of Southport because of hazardous road conditions, Bald Head Island Transportation will continue the suspension of ferry service through the remainder of today as previously announced. At this time, we anticipate limited passenger ferry service to resume tomorrow, February 3, at 10:30 a.m. from Deep Point Terminal and to continue on a normal operating schedule thereafter. Luggage and tram services will not begin with the 10:30 a.m. departure. The feasibility of adding these services will be evaluated during the early portion of the day as conditions continue to improve. Barring any unforeseen changes to improving conditions, we anticipate that normal operations, to include contractor ferry will resume on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

POSTED 2/2/2026 at 11:47 AM (and on social media)

If you are on BHI, 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.

POSTED 2/2/2026 at 8:07 AM (updated 10:36 AM)

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 are expected to return to the island today. Remote-capable staff are on duty,
BHI Transportation, Inc. has suspended ferry service for today (Monday, 2/2), pending improved conditions. The barge will not run today. The City of Southport is under a State of Emergency due to road conditions. Check for real-time status on BHIT’s app and website.
Road conditions: The sun yesterday helped melt most areas not under tree cover. Some of the wet areas are likely sheets of ice this AM and will melt again and refreeze if conditions allow. Public Works will be putting down sand to help, starting with areas with inclines, and scraping/pushing, starting with major roads. 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.
Trash service will not be picked up today (Monday, 2/2)

View the Village’s photo album for this event: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pqVQQoeNUSFgjezC6
We’ve added a few photos that were taken this morning, and will be adding more as they come in.

POSTED 2/1/2026 at 6:03 PM

Posted here and on socials: Temperatures are dropping, and everything that was melting and wet is now freezing. We are seeing it on BHI, and Southport is seeing it and responding to wrecks. Please stay home, stay warm, stay safe, and stay OFF the roads.

POSTED 2/1/2026 at 4:45 PM

View the Village’s photo album for this event: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pqVQQoeNUSFgjezC6
Public Safety is out doing more assessments, so more will be added.

POSTED 2/1/2026 at 3:00 PM

Per GFL, there will be no trash pickup on Bald Head Island on Monday, February 2, 2026.

WINTER STORM GIANNA

The Village sent out the following e-mail announcement (POSTED 2/1/2026 at 11:03 AM)

7 INCHES OF SNOW AT DPS – ISLAND ROADS IMPASSABLE – SEVERE COLD PERSISTS

The Village of Bald Head Island declared a State of Emergency effective 7:00 AM today (February 1, 2026), due to the impact of Winter Storm Gianna.

WEATHER INFORMATION:

NWS Wilmington’s latest briefing indicates that the dangerous cold temperatures will persist through early Tuesday and recommends that folks limit time outdoors.

POST STORM CONDITIONS:

The Department of Public Safety has been assessing conditions around the island. Real-time road conditions are being reported to Brunswick County Emergency Management’s WebEOC and can be viewed HERE. The Village has been posting photos on its social media channels.

GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS:

If you are on the island, please stay home. Due to the road conditions on the island, the extreme cold, and Village operations underway to cut and push vegetation for emergency apparatus clearance, staying home, warm, and safe is strongly advised.

Ferry & Barge Service

Ferry service is suspended today (2/1). Please use Bald Head Island Transportation Inc.’s app or check the website for real-time status.

The Barge Office has suspended service for Monday, February 2.

Power Outages

Due to the persistent extreme 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.

Please check the Village’s Severe Weather Event webpage and social media for frequent updates as information becomes available.

POSTED 2/1/2026 at 8:10 AM (Updated 9:28)

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been assessing island conditions this morning. The Department of Public Safety received 7 inches of snowfall overnight, and observations indicate that some areas of the island likely received more. DPS advises Islanders not to be out exploring in these conditions and suggests folks hunker down at home. NWS Wilmington’s forecast calls for severe cold/wind chill through tomorrow morning, then moderating Monday PM and overnight.

Recent photos from DPS were posted on our social media channels.

Below is the weather briefing webpage for NWS Wilmington. It automatically updates when a new briefing is posted. The information above may be dated, and typically, if there are significant changes in the forecast, the Village will post a new update. The 1/31/2026 PM briefing was the last briefing for this winter storm event. Routine briefings go out a few times a week.

POSTED 1/31/2026 at 5:40 PM

No significant changes in the forecast (view the latest briefing from NWS below). No changes in Village operations or guidance for Islanders since our announcement last night (see below).

Snow has started to appear around the region. Belville and Leland started seeing snow around 3:30 p.m. At the time of this posting, there was no sign of snow in Southport or Bald Head Island (here are some public webcams (Southport, Bald Head Island).

Brunswick County announced that it had declared a State of Emergency today, effective at 4:00 p.m (announcement).

We’ve been sharing information from our partners (NWS, County, Sheriff’s office, etc.) on our social media channels throughout the day.

POSTED 1/31/2026 at 10:32 AM

No significant changes in the forecast (view the latest briefing from NWS below). No changes in Village operations or guidance for Islanders since our announcement last night (see below). We’ll be sharing information from our partners (NWS, County, Sheriff’s office, etc.), and possibly some photos from staff still on the island, on our social media channels thoughout the day. Snow may not appear until around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m.

POSTED 1/30/2026 at 7:05 PM

The following announcement was sent to our Village’s Voice e-newsletter and announcement distribution list. If you are not receiving these emails, please sign up HERE.

ARTIC AIR COMING TONIGHT – HEAVIEST SNOW LATE SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY AM

WEATHER INFORMATION:

According to the latest briefing from NWS Wilmington:

Advisories, Watches, Warnings

Winter Storm Warning across the area late tonight into Sunday afternoon.
Gale Warning across the coastal waters from Surf City, NC to South Santee River, SC out 20 nautical miles.
Cold Weather Advisory for inland counties tonight.
Extreme Cold Warning across the area early Saturday evening through Monday morning.

Other Important Updates

Snow onset is trending earlier (Saturday morning).
High confidence in extremely cold air for the area this weekend, creating significant, rare wind chills.
Increasing confidence for significant snow and associated impacts.
High confidence in hazardous winds and seas for the coastal waters over the weekend, creating dangerous conditions for mariners.

VILLAGE OPERATIONS:

The Island Package Center & Post Office will be closed on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Village offices and the Island Package Center & Post Office will be closed on Monday, February 5, due to the inclement weather and potential impacts to ferry service. Essential staff and remote capable staff will be on duty.
The annual Village Council Retreat, scheduled for 2/3 & 2/4, is canceled and will be rescheduled to a later date (TBD). However, the Village expects to have the February regular Council meeting on Wednesday, 2/4 at 10:00 a.m.
The Village continues to engage with Brunswick County Emergency Management and the Emergency Operations Center as it is currently in enhanced monitoring status and heightened readiness posture to support response operations as conditions develop.
All NC Division of Environmental Quality guidance has been followed in regard to preparing the public water and sewer system for potential weather impacts.
Public Works has salted entries and sidewalks at Village properties for safer ingress/egress of the public and our essential staff. Island roads are non-DOT roads and have not been prepped for upcoming precipitation. Public Works crews will mobilize as soon it possible to safely clear roads of debris. Mother Nature will have to do her work to clear the snow. Reports of road conditions will be shared on the Village website and social media.
Please check the Village’s Severe Weather Event webpage and social media for frequent updates as information becomes available.

GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS:

Ferry Service

The latest from Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc.:

1/30/26 @ 1:00 pm: Due to forecasted impacts from Winter Storm Gianna, including gale-force winds and snowy conditions, Bald Head Island Transportation anticipates suspending operations beginning today, Friday, January 30, 2026, following the final scheduled departure from Bald Head Island at 10:30 p.m. We anticipate that service will remain suspended through Monday, February 2, 2026, at which time conditions will be evaluated to determine when operations may resume. We will continue to closely monitor weather conditions throughout the weekend and into early next week and will provide timely updates regarding anticipated ferry operations through our mobile app and website. Please continue to monitor these channels for the most up-to-date information.

Please use Bald Head Island Transportation Inc.’s app or check the website for real-time status.

Personal & Property Preparations

Today was the day to finish preparations for the storm. There are some great tips on Brunswick County’s website HERE on heating your home safely.

Travel on Village roads will be hazardous – falling snow and strong winds may impact visibility, weaken trees causing falling limbs and debris, and make some roads impassable. Lingering cold temperatures may keep the snow on the roads longer, making travel, especially via golf cart, difficult into Monday, possibly later. Please stay home. You do not want to get stuck in the extremely cold temperatures.

Power Outages

Be prepared for possible power outages. Report any power outages to Duke Energy. View our power outage webpage HERE for more information.

POSTED 1/30/2026 at 1:20 PM

The latest from BHI Transportation, Inc.:

Please use Bald Head Island Transportation Inc.’s app or check the website for real-time status.

POSTED 1/30/2026 at 9:45 AM

Islanders should be making any storm preparations not already made TODAY (Friday, 1/30). It looks like the snow may be starting a little earlier than previously forecast. Low-end snow amount predictions are trending up – – there is a chance for more snow than previously expected (6-7 inches).

NEW information from NWS Wilmington’s latest briefing:

The Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Winter Storm WARNING.
A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for parts of the area tonight through early Saturday evening.
An Extreme Cold Watch remains in effect for early Saturday evening through Monday morning.
Snow onset is trending earlier (Saturday morning).

POSTED 1/29/2026 at 6:43 PM

The following announcement was sent to our Village’s Voice e-newsletter and announcement distribution list. If you are not receiving these emails, please sign up HERE.

SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM AND COLD THIS WEEKEND

WEATHER INFORMATION:

According to the latest briefing from NWS Wilmington:

Advisories, Watches, Warnings

An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for the entire area (including Brunswick County and BHI) – Saturday evening through Monday morning (1/31-2/2)
A Gale Watch has been issued from Surf City, NC to Little Reiver Inlet, SC, out 20 nautical miles – Saturday morning through Sunday evening (1/31 – 2/1)
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the entire area – late Friday night through Sunday afternoon (1/30-2/1)

Other Important Updates

There is high confidence in extreme cold air for the area this weekend, creating significant, rare wind chills.
There is high confidence in hazardous winds and seas for the coastal waters over the weekend, creating dangerous conditions for mariners.
There is increasing confidence for significant snow and associated impacts.

Accumulation of snow may vary, and bands of higher local amounts are possible, especially in the Cape Fear region.

Probability of Snow Amounts for Southport: 91% chance of 2 inches or more, 71% chance for 4 inches or more, 57% for 6 inches or more, 43% chance of 8 inches or more, 20% chance of 12 inches or more, 10% chance of 16 inches or more.

Cold/Wind Chill is expected to have minor impacts beginning Friday night, minor to moderate impact through Saturday evening, and have high impact overnight Saturday through Monday morning.

VILLAGE OPERATIONS:

Village offices will be operating on a normal schedule on Friday, January 30. No decision has been made for Monday. Preparations are still being made as though the Village Council’s annual retreat will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, 2/3 at 9:00 a.m.
The Island Package Center & Post Office will be closed on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The Village is engaging with Brunswick County Emergency Management and the Emergency Operations Center as it is currently in enhanced monitoring status.
The Village will be posting regularly on its Severe Weather Event webpage and on social media as additional information becomes available.

GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS:

Ferry Service

The latest from Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc.:

1/29/26 @ 10:30 am: Bald Head Island Transportation is closely monitoring an approaching winter weather system expected to impact the area this weekend. Based on the current forecast, there is a high probability of service disruptions or possible service suspension throughout the weekend and into the early part of next week. Any service disruptions, suspensions, or operational changes will be communicated promptly through our mobile app and website. Please continue to monitor these channels for the most up-to-date information, as weather conditions may change.

Personal & Property Preparations

Islanders should be prepared for this event as they were for last week’s potential severe winter weather. There are some great tips on Brunswick County’s website HERE.

If Islanders need important medications, it is best to prepare to get them tomorrow (Friday, 1/30) in case the IPC/PO, ferry service, and mainland roads are impacted through early next week.

Use caution when traveling on Village roads, falling snow and strong winds may impact visibility, weaken trees causing falling limbs and debris, and make some roads impassable. Lingering cold temperatures may keep the snow on the roads longer, making travel, especially via golf cart, difficult into Monday, possibly later. If you need to get out and about, do it tomorrow (Friday) and get everything you need for a few extra days.

Power Outages

Be prepared for possible power outages. Report any power outages to Duke Energy. View our power outage webpage HERE for more information. Please heat your home safely. View some tips HERE.

POSTED 1/29/2026 at 9:50 AM

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FOR BHI AND ALL OF NWS WILMINGTON AREA

WEATHER INFORMATION: Here is the key information from the latest NWS Wilmington weather briefing (you can also view the full briefing below).

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the entire area.
High confidence in extremely cold air for the area this weekend, creating significant, rare wind chills.
High confidence in hazardous winds and seas for the coastal waters over the weekend, creating dangerous conditions for mariners.
High confidence of snow for the area, with moderate confidence on the amounts and impacts.

The weather briefing below will update automatically when a new one is issued this afternoon (4:30 PM). There may be additional information presented, so please check it for new information (they usually include that on the first slide). If there are significant changes, we will update this site.

VILLAGE RESPONSE: The Village and Brunswick County Emergency Management are monitoring the forecast, and planning efforts are underway.

GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS: Islanders should be prepared for this event as they were for last week. There are some great tips on Brunswick County’s website HERE.

***This event could have an impact on ferry service and the Island Package Center & Post Office.*** Updates on the ferries will be posted on Bald Head Island Transportation’s app and website.
IPC/PO updates will be posted on this page and on our social media.

POSTED 1/28/2026 at 10:50 AM (Updated at 1:40 PM to add information about the afternoon NWS briefing & possible impacts to ferry service and IPC/PO)

SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER POSSIBLE THIS WEEKEND

NWS Wilmington issued its first multi-page weather briefing for the January 31 – February 1, 2026, winter storm. You can view it below.

Important updates:

High confidence in extremely cold air for the area this weekend, creating significant, rare wind chills.
High confidence in hazardous winds and seas for the coastal waters over the weekend, creating dangerous conditions for mariners.
Increasing confidence of snow for the area, but low confidence on the specific timing, amounts, and impacts.

The weather briefing below will update automatically when a new one is issued this afternoon (3 PM). There may be additional information presented, so please check it for new information (they usually include that on the first slide). If there are significant changes, we will update this site.

The Village and Brunswick County Emergency Management are monitoring the forecast, and planning efforts are underway.

Islanders should be prepared for this event as they were for last week. There are some great tips on Brunswick County’s website HERE.

POSTED 1/27/2026 at 9:15 AM

NWS Wilmington’s 5-day weather briefing (released at 8:12 AM 1/27) had the following key messages:

Unseasonably cold temperatures will continue through the week, with periods of dangerous wind chills each morning. Next weekend has the coldest temperatures of the forecast.
There is a chance of significant winter weather next weekend for our area. However, confidence remains low with a wide range of possible scenarios.

HELPFUL LINKS

VILLAGE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INFO POWER OUTAGE INFORMATION WATER & SEWER INFORMATION VILLAGE SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS BALD HEAD ISLAND ROAD CONDITIONS ISLAND DIRECTORY BHI TRANSPORTATION, INC. BHI BARGE BRUNSWICK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NC DOT ROAD CONDITION MAP BRUNSWICK COUNTY ROAD CONDITIONS

This page is updated when a severe weather event is predicted to impact the Bald Head Island area. If action needs to be taken, the Village will notify Islanders via the CodeRed notification system. Sign up for CodeRed (HERE).

The National Weather Service starts updating its Tropical Weather Outlook page (HERE) starting on May 15 of each year. This webpage will show any active storms in the Atlantic.