IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM EMERGENCY MANAGER

Kure Beach Citizens,

After a challenging week and a half, the Town is following Hurricane Helene and preparing for its impact. Below is the update from the National Weather Service at 12:00 pm regarding Hurricane Helene. As of this afternoon, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from South Santee River to Little River Inlet. Hurricane Helene is forecast to come ashore in the Florida panhandle on Thursday evening as a Major (Category 3) Hurricane.  Based on the current path our impact should be minimal however, after last week we should remain vigilant. 

Currently projected impacts in our area from the National Weather Service are:

• Strong rip currents and rough surf along all beaches
• Gusty winds are expected especially along coastal areas and some inland portions of northeast SC and southeast NC  
• Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches (+isolated higher amounts) with flash flooding possible
• Isolated tornadoes possible Thursday night through Friday

The Town is staffing to respond as needed to issues if and when they occur. Please take the following actions this evening:

1. Secure outside furniture and trash cans – to allow Public Works response to potential power outages, sewer and stormwater issues that may occur.
2. DO NOT DRIVE through standing water in roadways especially if ponding water is reaching houses. During the event last week drivers contributed to damage to a number of our neighbors homes by driving at excessive speed through ponding water.  Additionally, multiple vehicles were flooded and required Fire Department/Police Department rescue.
3. Obey road closure cones, signs and emergency vehicles.  This is for our first responders safety as well as for property protection.
4. If power is lost in Town please minimize your usage of water, as the sewer capacity is reduced until generators can be connected to lift stations.
5. The Town is in the middle of debris pickup from last weekend with our vendor.  As you prepare, please ensure that you have not blocked an stormwater drains near your property with your debris. Pick up will continue through tomorrow, however, as you are pulling in outside furniture, securing trash and recycling cans you should look for to protect your property. Public Works will be going through Town tomorrow, but will be focused on the larger storm drains, thirteen ocean outfalls and the 5 main ditches that remove stormwater from the Town.

Be safe and another update will come out after New Hanover County sends the morning update at 8am.

Respectfully,

David W. Heglar, PE

Emergency Manager, Town of Kure Beach