News
Hurrican Florence Update
Posted on Sep 11th, 2018
Beaufort County Emergency Planning Meeting Highlights:
- This storm is unprecedented and far worse than anything Cypress Landing has ever experienced
- We will have 55 MPH winds or greater until Saturday night or Sunday Morning
- Cypress Landing may be cut off from Washington and other areas for several days due to flooding.
- If you have health or any other type of issues that could potentially need to be addressed before next Week, leave now.
- The nearest shelter will be Washington High School but you will not be able to reach it after Thursday (Shelter information below)
- They expect the damage to be greater on the Southside of the river.
Notes from Cypress Landing Resident
Volunteer CERT Leader Biff Matthews:
- Residents remaining in Cypress Landing during hurricane Florence, you are on your own.
- You will be without electricity meaning also no water, no sewer plus no communication for 7-10 days, possibly longer.
- Your wellbeing is your responsibility.
- Prepare since outside help may not reach you for a week or more.
- Residents staying in Cypress Landing during Florence, e-mail Biff Matthews, billflem1946@yahoo.com with your name and address so Choco EMS/Fire knows which houses to check for people, when they are available to access the community.
- Choco EMS will have a message board for updates at the Bay Club, upper level at front doors. Timing of updates will be random and when access available. We will do our best to communicate when updates occur.
- Current and accurate weather info is at NOAA weather radio.
- Obtain area conditions, visit www.readync.org. You may also download the ReadyNC app on your mobile phone.
- Residents leaving Cypress Landing, DO NOT post travel plans on social media informing unscrupulous people that you are not home. Before leaving, take pictures of the contents of each room should a claim be necessary.
- Residents leaving may email Beaufort Co. Deputy Kelly Cox, kcox@co.beaufort.nc.us to request a periodic check of your property by a deputy when possible.
- Residents who have special needs such as require electricity to power a medical device, have limited mobility or a medical condition email Biff Matthews, billflem1946@yahoo.com with your name, address and special need to share with Choco EMS/Fire.
- You are strongly encouraged to evacuate before the hurricane.
Information from the Town of Chocowinity:
1. Water – Water should remain available to your home. Town of Chocowinity has back-up generators to keep water flowing.
2. Sewer System – Unless your home is equipped with a home generator, if you lose power, your sewer system will not be working. It will be important to conserve usage of water through your system. Sewer systems may last approximately 4+ days without power and conservation of usage to include showers, toilets, etc. will be extremely important. If this causes you concerns, you are encouraged to evacuate.
Beaufort County Emergency Management Update:
As expected, we are beginning to receive information regarding the following specific impacts for Beaufort County:
- Conditions will deteriorate Wednesday. We will most likely be experiencing Tropical Storm conditions by sunrise Thursday, and Hurricane conditions by mid-day. This will be a very slow moving storm that will cause torrential rain and winds through at least Saturday afternoon.
- All models suggest areas along the Pamlico River should expect at least 7’ – 10’ of storm surge. It is very likely that this number will increase with future forecast model.
- Rainfall expectations continue to vary between 15” to 25”.
- Based on the current track, Beaufort Co is expected to receive sustained winds of 55+ mph, with frequent gust exceeding 70 mph.
As expected, we are beginning to receive information regarding the following specific impacts for Beaufort County:
- Conditions will deteriorate Wednesday. We will most likely be experiencing Tropical Storm conditions by sunrise Thursday, and Hurricane conditions by mid-day. This will be a very slow moving storm that will cause torrential rain and winds through at least Saturday afternoon.
- All models suggest areas along the Pamlico River should expect at least 7’ – 10’ of storm surge. It is very likely that this number will increase with future forecast model.
- Rainfall expectations continue to vary between 15” to 25”.
- Based on the current track, Beaufort Co is expected to receive sustained winds of 55+ mph, with frequent gust exceeding 70 mph.
All of Beaufort Co. is currently under a voluntary evacuation. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all low lying areas. A low lying area should be considered as any area that has flooded in past storms, or an area that is susceptible to flooding with a 7’+ storm surge. If you live in an area where this applies, you should evacuate.
We will continue to communicate with local, state and federal forecast outlets. Please continue to monitor your emails, local and social media for updates.
Again, PLEASE BE PROACTIVE. PLEASE BE PREPARED.
Shelter:
Beaufort County will open a shelter at Washington High School beginning at noon on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Please remember, to bring necessities for several days stay.
Transportation to the Shelter:
Beaufort County will be providing transportation to the Washington shelter according to the following information:
Aurora Fire Department
Wednesday 9/12/2018 2:00 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 5:00 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 2:00 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 5:00 p.m. departure time
Blount’s Creek Fire Department
Wednesday 9/12/2018 2:30 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 5:30 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 2:30 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 5:30 p.m. departure time
Chocowinity Food Lion Parking Lot
Wednesday 9/12/2018 3:00 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 6:00 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 3:00 p.m. departure time
Wednesday 9/12/2018 6:00 p.m. departure time