Brunswick County Declares State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Isaias, Government Offices Close Early Monday

By City of Northwest | August 3, 2020

KEY POINTS

  • Brunswick County’s state of emergency goes into effect Monday, Aug. 3 at 3:30 p.m. and includes a voluntary evacuation of low-lying and flood-prone areas of the unincorporated area of Brunswick County as well as anyone who dwells in mobile or substandard housing
  • A curfew is also in effect from 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4
  • Brunswick County government offices will close Monday at 3:30 p.m. and anticipate reopening Tuesday at noon
  • The Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. is still occurring as planned
  • Two public shelters of last resort open at 12 p.m. Monday for individuals voluntarily evacuating with no alternate options: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/shelters/

MEDIA RELEASE

BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County Board of Commissioners Chairman Frank Williams has declared a state of emergency effective Monday, Aug. 3 at 3:30 p.m. due to potential threats Tropical Storm Isaias poses to the county. A copy of the declaration is at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-08-03-State-of-Emergency-Isaias.pdf

The declaration includes a voluntary evacuation of low-lying and flood-prone areas of the unincorporated area of Brunswick County as well as anyone who dwells in mobile or substandard housing.

A curfew is also in effect from 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 for all unincorporated areas. This curfew does not apply to any individual traveling to or from their place of employment.

“Regardless of Isaias’ classification or category, we encourage all citizens to prepare now for whatever this storm might bring,” Chairman Williams said. “We ask all residents and visitors to keep calm, follow their emergency hurricane plans, and follow the guidance of local emergency services and public safety officials.”

Additionally, Brunswick County government offices will close at 3:30 p.m. Monday ahead of Isaias’ arrival. Government offices are anticipated to open Tuesday at 12 p.m., however officials will assess the storm’s condition and any impacts concerning flooding or damage early Tuesday to determine if a later start time or full day closure is necessary.

At this time, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners meeting at 3 p.m. is still scheduled as planned. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brunswick County has limited seating in the commissioners’ chambers to allow for proper social distancing (approximately six feet between one another) and no more than 50 people are allowed in the chambers at one time.

The Brunswick County Courthouse will also close Monday at 3:30 p.m. Additional details concerning Tuesday hours of operations will be communicated at a later time.

Monday trash and recycling customers will still receive collection and convenience sites will remain open as usual Monday. Tuesday collections are anticipated to take place as usual barring poor weather conditions. Tuesday customers should have carts at the curb by 7 a.m. and are advised not to leave carts out overnight.

Brunswick County is currently under a Hurricane Warning, Storm Surge Warning and Flash Flood Watch. The National Weather Service in Wilmington is projecting that the storm could increase to a Category 1 hurricane before it arrives in our region and is creating a strong risk for rip currents now into next week and a higher risk for tornadoes Monday evening through early Tuesday morning.

The latest forecasts project an average of four to six inches of rain across the county, wind speeds of 50-60 miles per hour, and wind gusts of 55-65 miles per hour. This rainfall coupled with the full moon tide Monday evening could increase the risk for storm surge and flooding.

While there is not a mandatory evacuation for unincorporated areas in the declaration, individuals who live in lower lying areas, creek beds, mobile homes, campers, and other areas that are prone to flooding or damage from high winds are strongly encouraged to consider traveling to alternative locations to shelter before the storm arrives in our area.

 “We know that there are several areas more susceptible to flooding and severe weather in our county, so we are proactively opening the shelters should they be needed,” Emergency Services Ed Conrow said. “That being said, we strongly advise you to reach out to family or friends now to see if you can stay with them, as shelter space will be limited and operations will be different this year due to the COVID-19 precautions we are taking.”

Brunswick County’s two primary shelters of last resort open at 12 p.m. today (Monday, Aug. 3). Find your nearest shelter location and learn more about the rules and what to expect at public shelters at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/shelters/

Individuals and visitors are advised to also check the website and communications channels for the municipality they are in for information on any state of emergency declarations or rules in place within that jurisdiction due to Isaias.

Brunswick County activated its emergency operations center Monday at 8 a.m. to coordinate and implement its Emergency Operations Plan in response to the tropical system. Individuals with questions can contact the joint information center at 910.253.5383.

The state of emergency declaration does not trigger the limitations on weapons in North Carolina General Statute 14-288.7 or impose any limitations on the consumption, transportation, sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages. If evacuation and other measures become appropriate, the proclamation will be amended.

STAY INFORMED

During emergency situations, it is important to make sure you are getting the most up-to-date and verified information from the right sources. Here is how you can stay connected with emergency updates and alerts from Brunswick County.

Follow the National Weather Service-Wilmington updates online or on social media:

Find the latest updates on hurricane response and more information about preparing for hurricanes at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/hurricanes/

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