Hurricane Dorian #11
9/5/2019
12:45 p.m.
Dear Residents, Property Owners and Friends:
Bald Head Island is currently under a tornado watch, flash flood watch, hurricane warning, and storm surge warning. Bald Head Island received a tornado warning early this morning. The area has been receiving wind gusts and sporadic rainfall from Dorian's bands. Tree branches are falling, and some have fallen onto the roads. Roads are ponding from the rainfall. The Village continues to be cautious in monitoring the potential storm surge relative to the high tide cycle. Depending on the timing of the storm's arrival, storm surge could be more significant with wave runup, erosion, and damage to the island's frontal dunes, in some areas possibly becoming breached by the ocean.
Key points from the latest NWS-Wilmington briefing with BHI and County officials this morning:
- Major impacts will be coastal flooding from storm surge (4-7 feet), power outages, some structural damage, and life-threatening flash-flooding expected.
- The hurricane is weakening as it approaches the Cape Fear traveling north east at 8 mph.
- Winds are arriving slower than expected and will increase this afternoon.
- Hurricane force winds are expected tonight.
- Wind gusts are expected to be stronger in Bald Head Island with peak gusts up to 110 mph.
- Rainfall predictions are 6-10 inches and 12 inches in isolated areas.
To find the latest NWS-Wilmington briefing go HERE.
Mandatory Evacuation
The Village remains under a State of Emergency and a Mandatory Evacuation was issued by executive order of the Governor of North Carolina and the Village amended its State of Emergency Proclamation. To clarify, there are no curfew times set because there is a mandatory evacuation order. Those who remain on the island should be sheltering in place for the duration of the mandatory evacuation and are subject to receive citations and fines if they are located outside of their own property. Sheltering in place will be critical as conditions worsen today into the night. Please do not put yourself or Village Public Safety Staff in harm's way.
There was an error in the previous message regarding alcoholic beverages it should be written as follows: RESTRICTIONS ON POSSESSION, CONSUMPTION, OR TRANSFER OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. There shall be no selling of, transfer of or consumption of alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments until the State of Emergency is no longer in effect.
Citizen's Phone Bank
The Village continues to recommend that citizens use the Citizen Phone Bank (910) 454-4226 for all non-emergency questions. This is not a method to request house checks, sign-up for re-entry, or be added to the business list. This is also not a number to leave your status for families to call in and check on you if you stayed on the island. The Village will continue to answer as many questions as possible via the Village's Voice messages.
Special Needs Individuals: If you require special needs for medical conditions that may be affect you during this event, please contact me (
cfaulkner@villagebhi.org or 910-457-9700 ext. 1025 or the phone bank during activation).
