More Rain Predicted; Some Roads Remain Closed; Shelter Open at West Brunswick High School; Voluntary Evacuation Issued

More Rain Predicted (10/3/15 — 8:15 p.m.)

Brunswick County is forecast to receive more rain over the next few days, creating the potentiual for more flooding and hazardous conditions.  Click here for the latest briefing from the National Weather Service (PDF file).  If the link becomes outdated, try this one (the latest briefing can currently be found under the headlines at the top).

Sheriff John Ingram has posted photos and a video of the flooding in the Calabash/Carolina Shores area on his Facebook page.  Please keep our those impacted in your prayers.  As the Star-News outlined in this article, emergency management officials are warning of “potentially life-threatening” flooding.

Road Conditions

Crews with the North Carolina Department of Transportation this weekend are continuing to monitor road conditions from the mountains to the coast for flooding. As of 4 p.m., Saturday, according to NCDOT’s Traveler Information Management System, sections of one primary road in Brunswick County – N.C. 133 near N.C. 87 in Brunswick County – is closed. Approximately 60 state-maintained secondary roads across the state were also closed.  Find the latest road closures near you with NCDOT’s interactive, live travel map.

Voluntary Evacuation Issued

Brunswick County has amended its State of Emergency to include a voluntary evacuation for all unincorporated areas of Brunswick County, specifically, but not limited to, low-lying and flood-prone areas, effective 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.

While the rainfall let up for much of Brunswick County Saturday, additional significant rainfall is expected Sunday, and officials are strongly encouraging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to evacuate now before weather conditions worsen and while the available light makes driving safer. Those evacuating should still use caution while driving, and watch for water on the road or roads that have been closed.

Residents who need assistance in evacuating should contact the Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center at 910-253-5383 for assistance with transportation. Residents should be aware that once the rain and flooding begins, officials may not be able to get to residents, and it is highly recommended residents plan ahead to ensure they are ready for this dangerous storm.

Shelter Open

Brunswick County has opened a shelter at West Brunswick High School. The shelter will allow pets.  Crews are in the Carolina Shores area working to check neighborhoods and evacuate residents as needed.  Residents whose homes are taking in water should monitor how close the water level is to outlets and other things that could become an electrical hazard. If residents need to evacuate and can do so safely, the shelter at West Brunswick High School will be open. If residents cannot safely evacuate and need assistance, they can call 911. Residents who do evacuate should take caution driving to the shelter, as the lack of light can make it harder to see water on the roads.  West Brunswick High School is located at 550 Whiteville Road NW in Shallotte.  Visit the Brunswick County website at www.brunswickcountync.gov for updated information.

Sources:  N.C. Department of Transportation, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick County Emergency Services, Brunswick County Public Information Officer