Hoke County - Florence Update

-FORECAST

At 11 a.m. Tropical Storm Florence was CREEPING, like 3 mph, generally westward from its position about  20 miles nearly due west of Myrtle Beach. Top sustained winds are about 50 mph with higher gusts. The forecast for Raeford and Hoke County is continual rain through tomorrow, again in periodic heavy bands. Winds should increase slightly this afternoon, then begin to drop off pretty nicely from 8 p.m. on. 

Flooding is our biggest threat at this point. We've been driving around the southern part of the county, and it's apparent the fields and yards can't take much more rain. The National Weather Service says we could get 4 inches today and 4 inches tonight. 1-2 is possible tomorrow. At The News-Journal, we've recorded 1.66 inches since midnight and a high wind gust of 46 mph today.

The Marathon overhang is flipped upside down and resting in the store's parking lot at Main Street and Central Avenue. We have many more photos of trees on houses, vehicles etc.

-POWER OUTAGES:
There are over 14,000 people in Hoke County without power now, including about 11,000 LREMC customers and 3,000 Duke Energy customers. Some have been without power for almost a day now. Given the ongoing wind and rain, it may be several days before power is fully restored, but works crews are on standby to roll out as soon as the winds die down enough that it is safe for them to operate.

A reminder from county officials: do not call 911 if your power goes out. Call your power company to report the outage. 911 cannot get your power back on.
Duke Energy: 800-419-6356 | Lumbee River EMC: 800-683-5571

 

-TORNADO WATCH:
The National Weather Service has placed Hoke County is under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. today. The watch also includes Lee, Moore, and Wilson counties.

 

-I-95 SHUT DOWN, REROUTED:
Raeford may be seeing some increased traffic shortly. Due to flooding, I-95 in Lumberton is shut down with traffic diverted at St. Pauls down Route 20 to Palmer Street, then on to N.C. 211 and on to Highway 401.

-CLOSURES:
Most stores, businesses, and offices in Hoke County are shut down today. There is debris on some roadways, there are traffic lights out in various areas, and driving should be considered hazardous at this point.

 

-EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER:
For help with storm related questions or other information, call the automated information line at (910) 848-4645 or to speak with a staff member, call (910) 848-4646.
Hoke County Emergency Management Director Bryan Marley warned citizens that during the storm, the emergency operations center (EOC) team will do their best to help people with questions but that they expect a high call volume.

 

-SHELTERS OPEN:
Shelters are open, see www.readyhoke.org/shelters for details.

-FLOODING - UPDATE FROM BRYAN MARLEY
Hoke County Emergency Management is monitoring waterways like the Lumber River and Rockfish Creek to keep an eye out for flooding. With more rain predicted today and tomorrow, conditions could worsen and flooding is the main concern now.

"We're anticipating some possible flooding along the Lumber River, that's about where we're at right now," – Marley
There is a VOLUNTARY EVACUATION in effect for people who live near the Lumber River. If you are not sure if you are in a flood zone for the Lumber River (map of the river here: ) call the EOC at 848-4646 with your address and speak to them for assistance.

-MCLAUCHLIN LAKES DAM:

According to county officials, NC Emergency Management assisted county staff in getting a pump to help lower the water level at McLauchlin Lakes to prevent damage to Rockfish Road. The pump has lowered the water level at the lake by six to eight inches and continues running, they report. The North Carolina National Guard is also delivering two high water vehicles and two Humvees to help with the local emergency response.