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Road Update:
- NC Rt. 17 is now fully open both north and southbound.
- NC Rt. 87 to 50 Lakes Drive in Boiling Spring Lakes to NC Rt. 133 is a travel option.
- NC DOT has advised us that it will be weeks before the Dutchman Creek bridge and the Duke Canal bridge will be repaired. We will provide more specific information when it becomes available.
- Please do not travel to Southport unless absolutely necessary. Depending upon the time of day, it may take two to three hours to return to St. James.
Future Forecast - Tropical Storm Helene:
We are at the halfway point of the hurricane season and, although we have not been impacted by a hurricane, Tropical Storm Debby and Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 (PTC #8) significantly impacted our area. We received 8” of rain with Debby and 18.65” of rain with PTC #8. In addition, we received 3” of rain between these storms. As a result, the water table remains extremely high and flooded areas continue to drain.
We are currently monitoring Tropical Storm Helene which is expected to intensify into a hurricane that will impact the Gulf Coast. Projections indicate that it will track west of us as it moves north. However, we will see two to four inches of rain, 25+ mph winds and possible isolated tornadoes Thursday through Friday.
Expect ponding on the roads and flooding of low lying areas. For your safety, and the safety of St. James Fire Department personnel, do not drive during a storm. The fire department had to provide road assistance to 20 plus residents in the midst of PTC #8.
Be Prepared:
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You can track a storms progress through the National Weather Service: weather.gov/ilm/briefing
- Register for Ready Brunswick, the county’s emergency notification system.
- Keep your electronic devices charged.
- Have a 5 to 7 day supply of water and food available.
- Have a supply of necessary medications and medical equipment on hand.
- Store valuables and important papers in waterproof containers.
- Ensure your vehicles are gassed.
- Don’t forget your pet’s needs.
- Recognize that storm impacts are affected by a full moon and high tides.
- Do not drive during a storm. Do not drive through standing water. Do not drive around barricades.
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Road information is available: DriveNC.gov and on the Brunswick County Sheriffs Department app.
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