Tuesday's Storm Response | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    Elected Officials, Managers and Public Safety Partners,

    Our office continues to monitor the forecast and anticipated impacts of tomorrow's storm system. We are primarily concerned with the potential for outbreaks of severe weather and localized surge related flooding. Our severe weather threats include damaging winds and isolated tornados capable of causing power outages and structural damage. Any power outages that may continue through the day Wednesday and into the night will be compounded by below freezing temperatures. We anticipate a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet to result in minimal localized impacts, with Belhaven and communities along the Pungo River being our primary areas of concern.

    Specialized equipment available for use includes:

• One high wheeled vehicle from the Sheriff's Office that is equipped with a high-capacity winch. This truck will be staged in the Midway area and can be quickly staffed and deployed if needed.
• A second high wheeled vehicle from Clarks Neck Fire Department.
• Three (3) inflatable boats with PFDs. A single boat and compliment of PFDs have been staged at Washington Fire Department, Blounts Creek Fire Department and the EOC.

    Our county's EOC will undergo a partial activation beginning at noon on Tuesday. EOC functions will initially be monitored remotely by Emergency Services and Sheriff's Office personnel. If any significant impacts were to occur, our EOC staff will convene at the Office of Emergency Services (1420 Highland Dr. Washington.)

    Tomorrow's activation will also include dividing the county into divisions with EOC points of contact as listed below. Please do not hesitate to contact these individuals if we can help with anything.

• Chocowinity, Blounts Creek & Aurora Communities
• Curtis Avery (252-945-8513 / Curtis.avery@beaufortcountync.gov )
• Clarks Neck, Washington & Old Ford Communities
• Jason Edwards (252-702-8293 / jason.edwards@beaufortcountync.gov )
• Bunyan, Pinetown & Bath Communities
• Ryan Davis (252-402-2564 / Ryan.davis@beaufortcountync.gov )
• Pamlico Beach & Sidney Communities
• Wayne Peadon (252-814-3914 / wayne.peadon@beaufortcountync.gov )
• Pungo River, Pantego, Belhaven, Communities
• Jeff Hibbard after 5pm Sunday (252-833-8507 / jeff.hibbard@beaufortcountync.gov )
• At Large Response
• DC Linton from 8a to 5p Sunday (252-402-2934 /Email: David.linton@beaufortcountync.gov )
• EOC Staff
• Chris Newkirk (252-378-5352 / chris.newkirk@beaufortcountync.gov )
• Melissa Beacham (252-946-4116 / melissa.beacham@beaufortcountync.gov )
• Major Jeremy Hewitt (252-945-8431 / jhewitt@co.beaufort.nc.us )

    Stay Safe, and as always, we thank you all for what you do each day.


    Contact: Chris Newkirk
   Director,
   Beaufort County Emergency Services
   121 W 3rd St.
   Washington, NC 27889
   Phone: Office: (252) 946-0079
   Cell: (252) 378-5352