Hurricane Florence has turned into a Category 4 storm -- which is a major hurricane.
By mid-morning on Monday, officials had announced the closing of New Hanover and Brunswick County Schools Tuesday through Friday. In Brunswick County, officials have also issued mandatory evacuation orders for those in unincorporated areas who live in low-lying and flood-prone areas or substandard or mobile homes, beginning at daylight Tuesday.
According to a Monday press release, the mandatory evacuation applies -- but is not limited to -- Waccamaw, NC 904/Pireway Road, areas on Town Creek, residents along NC 133, Daw’s Creek area, and any other flood-prone areas.
Brunswick County officials have also declared a voluntary evacuation for all other residents in unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. Residents within municipalities should monitor information from their town or city.
Brunswick County has also declared a State of Emergency, effective at noon Monday, Sept. 10. County offices will be closed as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11.
Shelters
Shelters will open outside of Brunswick County in inland counties – where officials are strongly advising residents to go.
Officials say Johnston or Cumberland Counties will be safer places due to forecasts for wind and storm surge.
Residents seeking to evacuate out of Brunswick County who do not have transportation should contact the Citizen Phone Bank at 910-253-5383.
If you can’t leave the county, one shelter will open Tuesday, September 11 at 2 PM at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte.
Two more shelters will open Wednesday 8 a.m. at:
· North Brunswick High School in Leland
And
· South Brunswick High School in Boiling Spring Lakes
Residents evacuating to a shelter should bring ID, medications, any needed items like glasses or diapers, clothing for 3-7 days, pillows, toiletries, chargers for cell phones, and books, games or cards. Residents should bring sheets or bedding, and cots and air mattresses if available. Alcohol, illegal substances, and weapons are not permitted.
Dogs and cats are accepted at the West Brunswick High School shelter. Owners must stay at the shelter as well, and should bring documentation of rabies vaccines, food, any medicines, and any other items necessary for your pets.
The Town of Leland has declared a State of Emergency, as well, effective at 1 pm on Monday, Sept. 10.
The following is from a Leland press release:
EVACUATION
A mandatory evacuation will be in effect for residents who live in low-lying and flood-prone areas or substandard or mobile homes, beginning at daylight (7 a.m.) Tuesday. A voluntary evacuation is issued for all other residents. Shelter information will be available online at https://readync.org.
CURFEW
A town-wide curfew will be in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., starting on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. The curfew will remain in effect each day thereafter, until such time that the Chief of Police of the Town of Leland, North Carolina lifts the curfew.
RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Effective at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, the possession or consumption of ANY alcoholic beverage, including beer, wine, and spirituous liquor other than on one’s own premises is hereby prohibited.
RESTRICTIONS ON POSSESSION, TRANSPORATION, AND TRANSFER OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND SUBSTANCES
Effective at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, the transportation or possession, or the sale or purchase of any dangerous weapon or substance, while off one’s own premises, is prohibited.
This restriction does not apply to any individual or group of people who has the responsibility for the preservation of the public’s health, safety, or welfare.
This restriction does not apply to any law enforcement officers, military personnel assigned for hurricane disaster duties, emergency medical personnel, or any other individual or groups of individuals whose job/employment will assist with the public’s health, safety, or welfare (i.e. fuel delivery personnel, utility repair personnel, etc.)
