Preparations underway for possible tropical impacts
SOUHTPORT, NC (WWAY) — The chances are increasing for the Cape Fear to face some impacts by potential tropical storm Imelda.
Preparations are underway for coastal Brunswick County.
Coastal Brunswick County cities and towns have started preparing for the impacts of potential severe weather associated with systems moving through the tropics.
Southport city manager Noah Saldo says they’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
“We’re preparing like it’s gonna be a significant event whether it is or not so all departments and employees are on alert,” Saldo emphasized.
The city is already in ‘boots on the ground’ mode with their Public Works team.
“Crews are out looking in the area for not only out city buildings but any storm drains. Luckily after PTC 8 last year, that taught us a good bit of lessons of how we can update our systems,” Saldo stated.
They’ve been in communication with the National Weather Service Office as well as county officials.
“The county takes the lead on Emergency Management, so they’ve been setting up those calls for us with all of other municipal and regional partners to prepare for what is needed from their standpoint and our standpoint,” Saldo informed.
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach has also been in on those daily calls with the county.
Mayor Debbie Smith says they’re following their normal protocol for tropical systems.
“We’re gassing everything up, we’re checking generators, we’re checking pumps to make sure everything is working. We’re securing flags and loose items and banners,” Smith said.
Smith says being at sea level and on flat land, flooding is always a big concern.
“We’re just advising people, if it gets to that, to stay off the roads and don’t drive through water and do our normal precautionary measures,” Smith encouraged.
Officials are continuing to urge people to stay up to date with the forecast, have a plan in place and check your hurricane preparedness kit.
Smith adds out of precaution the Town of Ocean Isle Beach has already closed public parks on Monday.
Oak Island officials told us they’ve removed their Mobi-Mats from all public beach access to prevent damage, and they’ve also been meeting with county officials.
