Weather Awareness Update | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Good Morning to all:

    I would like everyone to think about what our First Responders have been through in the last 96 hours. Our Firefighters, EMT's 911 Dispatchers and Law Enforcement Community have responded to Tornados, Sever Thunderstorms and now a major fire yesterday afternoon through early morning hours of today. The fire at First Christian Church on Second Street here in Washington was a tragic event, however, through the efforts of our fire fighters no other structures were lost near the church and no lives were lost. Since Friday Evening our First Responder Community has demonstrated the highest traditions of their respective services and performed as a coordinated and effective team throughout. So when you see one of these people a little handshake or thank you would be appropriate for these Beaufort County hero's.

    Now let's get to one of the most talked about events yet to come this week. I talked with National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters this morning and yes we are going to have a lot of rain possibly very heavy at times Wednesday into Thursday of this week. Yes we could be facing isolated Severe Thunderstorms, strong straight line wind gust or even a Tornado during that time period. There is some anxiety/worry in the community about the possibility of a repeat of this Friday Night.

    I do need to remind everybody we are not back to normal (whatever normal is) after the events of this past Friday Night! The remedy for part of the fear is to insure your family has an emergency plan. Keep your emergency supplies up-to-date and work with your children and other adults living in the house to rehearse the plan and know where the safe room is located in your house. In today's day of technology there is no excuse for not being "Weather Aware". Remember Emergency Plans should be identified at our work places for the Weather and Man-made possibilities and every employee should be made aware of the plans.

    We will keep weather updates coming.

    John Pack

    Coordinator, Beaufort County Emergency Services

     1420 Highland Drive
     Washington, NC 27889
     (252)946-2046 Office   •   (252) 975-6802 Fax   •   john.pack@co.beaufort.nc.us