Tropical Storm Hermine | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    Good Afternoon:

    We here at the EOC are monitoring Tropical Storm Hermine progress toward Beaufort County. The track of the storm has still got some wiggle to it, but we will let you know of significate changes to the track. I have attached the latest briefing from the National Weather Service in Moorehead for your review. A Flash Flood Watch and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued for Beaufort County.

    Here are the weather related hazards we are facing with this storm:

     •  Rain fall amounts between seven to nine inches in a thirty-six hour period.

     •  Low area, Storm Water and some Storm Surge flooding with Aurora and Belhaven getting the highest totals of each. "Turn Around, don't drown" still applies to flood water when over the roads.

     •  Tropical Storm Force winds with Gust as high as 40mph beginning around 8:00pm Friday.

     •  Isolated Severe Thunderstorms with vivid lightning and maybe even a "rain wrapped" tornado, depending on the track.

    Manmade Hazards to be monitored or responded too:

     •  Downed trees on Power Lines, Structures or across Road Ways.

     •  Flooding as the result of Bridge/Road Work or blocked storm drains/culverts.

     •  Vehicle accidents as a result of the weather.

     •  Unsecured Personal property moving onto roadways and acting as obstructions (garbage cans, porch furniture, etc.).

     •  We are asking that each Department head or their designated representative verify with Lisa their contact information. We would also like to know who from your agency will be available to contact over this holiday weekend should we have to activate the EOC or open a shelter as the situation dictates.

    Preparations that we would suggest:

     •  All County vehicles should be topped off with fuel as of Friday afternoon and all High Clearance Vehicles should be prepared for high water operations.

     •  All First Responder Vehicles and equipment should be serviced and ready for operations during inclement weather conditions including individual water relocation operations in the back water areas.

     •  At least one shelter team needs to be prepared for movement to PS Jones Middle School should we need to open a shelter four hours after notification.

     •  Beaufort County Schools please ensure we can open PS Jones Middle School as a shelter with as little as four hours' notice.

     •  If flooding does occur and we are dispatching an ambulance through or into that area please dispatch a piece of Fire Equipment as part of the EMS call.

     •  All reports of significant flooding should be reported to the EOC beginning Friday at noon through Saturday at noon. (946-2046) or cell (944-1586). Of course 911 Communications is always available to report too.

     •  Before anyone ask for them, both message boards are non-functional at the present time.

    All personnel working in the field on Friday need to stay weather aware. Rain, heavy at times could begin as early as 4:00pm with wind gust of 25 miles per hour likely. After 8:00pm tomorrow the tropical storm force winds will create issues when driving high profile vehicles. We will be monitoring winds in Aurora and Washington to advise Fire and EMS personnel.

    Above all things safety of personnel is paramount and for First Responders this means visibility during inclement weather. Wear reflective gear and make sure all lights are working on your vehicle when responding to a vehicle accident or tree in the road stay weather aware and be aware of your surroundings. The winds associated with tropical storms or a thunderstorm could cause trees to fall so that is why we suggest being aware of your surroundings. First Responders need to pay attention to downed power lines and always assume they are "hot" and deadly. I know that all First Responders are aware of these things, however, a reminder is never out of line when we are facing uncertain weather conditions.

    As always thank you for your support and continued dedication to the people of Beaufort County. The Fire Marshall will be providing specific operational requirements to Fire Departments tomorrow as appropriate.

    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


Storm Summary for Tropical Storm Hermine

Tropical Storm Hermine