‘Stay home;’ NHC declares state of emergency ahead of weekend storm
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) – New Hanover County has declared a state of emergency beginning Saturday at noon in preparation for this weekend’s storm.
While county officials are not expecting widespread power outages, they are concerned about hazardous travel and pro-longed extreme cold.
“Stay home and off of the roads,” said Steve Still, New Hanover County emergency management director.
New Hanover County officials were urgent during Friday’s winter storm update knowing this weekend’s storm will bring snow, high winds and possible flooding in coastal communities.
“The weather service is using the term white out conditions possible in some areas,” Still said.
Still said the agency will be moving into a partial activation come Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
The county’s sheriff’s office, fire rescue and other public safety agencies said they are also bringing in additional staff for this winter storm.
“The weather service is forecasting high impact travel conditions from Saturday night through at least Monday afternoon and potentially longer,” Still said.
Residents are encouraged to leave their faucets dripping and protect exposed pipes this weekend with concern for extreme cold that could lead to frozen pipes.
“If pipes freeze and burst, response capacity will be extremely limited take preventative actions now,” Still said.
Still said they are concerned for what this storm could bring for its coastal communities.
“Primary concern for them of course is going to be gale force winds combined with high seas there is a possibility for coastal erosion within this event,” Still said.
In addition to the winds, there will also be a full moon on Sunday which increases concern for high tides. Angela Zephier, chief emergency management at the Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington district said they are actively engaged with their beach partners ahead of this weekend’s storm.
“If any damage is done due to the storm to our coastal projects, we can do emergency repairs to continue to protect the coastal and infrastructure,” Still said.
Still is urging residents to prepare for an extended period of cold temperatures come Saturday.
“Check on elderly neighbors, bring pets inside and make sure you have supplies to remain for several days,” Still said.
Still said all New Hanover County Government facilities, attractions and the land-fill will be closed this weekend. Emergency management will reassess conditions on Sunday to determine its operations on Monday.
