IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE EMERGENCY MANAGER
Kure Beach Citizens and Visitors,
I hope this finds you safe and well, and soon completing all your preparations for tropical storm wind possibilities arriving in the next 24-48 hours.
The track has drifted a little since the last update, however forward speed and timing of impacts have not changed. As of late this morning, Debby was in the Savannah area as a Tropical Storm with 45mph winds. Still forecasted to exit to the Atlantic later today. Once it enters the Atlantic it is projected to progress 2-4 mph and take a slow turn North and Northeast. It is expected to make a second landfall between Charleston and Georgetown SC early morning Thursday, then a progression north-northeast. Intensity models still show a slight strengthening while over the Atlantic but staying tropical storm strength. Cumulative rainfall totals have remained consistent over the last couple of updates with 12"-16" forecasted.
Town staff has completed all preparations for the event. In the event of a loss of power during hours of darkness, Town Council will declare a state of emergency and institute a MANDATORY CURFEW throughout town until either power is restored or sunrise. Public Works, Police and Fire Personnel will be responding to any issues in the town during the event, if you observe a stormwater backup all calls will be directed to public works at 910-458-5816. The answering service will be transferring calls after hours to on call phone in which we will respond to in the order they come in.
Town Council will monitor the weather and will close town hall as conditions warrant to allow our employees to travel home and arrive safely.
The normal bulk trash pickups on Thursday morning of piled debris WILL NOT occur to allow Public Works to focus on Stormwater drainage throughout this event.
If you see downed power or cable lines treat them as energized and contact 911. Fire and Police will respond to evaluate safety issues and work to get the appropriate utility to clear them.
If the Town loses power please minimize your usage of water as with the Town full of residents and visitors, the lift station generators will be taxed to keep up. If you use temporary generators at your home ensure that there is proper ventilation generators (Carbon Monoxide poisoning) and chainsaws (following the storm) result in a significant number of deaths and injuries attributed to Hurricanes.
During the storm, please be careful and plan ahead for your trips. With these winds local conditions could become hazardous. Be extremely cautious of ponding water on roadways. Do not drive through standing water as you vehicle could become immobilized and then cause a traffic hazard impacting emergency services. Additionally a reminder that in the loss of power, or a non-functioning stop light all stop light intersections become 4 way stops.
Respectfully,
David W. Heglar, PE
Emergency Manager, Town of Kure Beach