Sorry that our 5 p.m. update is belated – we lost power, internet, and the awning on our building (shout-out and thanks to City of Raeford for helping us get that cleaned up!)-FLORENCE UPDATE:
Hurricane Florence is no more; she's now a tropical storm. She's still big however and moving very slowly, 5 mph.
From the Nat Hurricane Center: "model guidance is in good agreement on Florence moving slowly in a general westward direction for the next 48 hours or so, followed by a northward motion on day 3 as the system moves around the western periphery of a narrow subtropical ridge. On days 4 and 5, the cyclone is forecast to turn northeastward and accelerate ahead of an approaching shortwave trough and frontal system, and emerge off the northeast U.S. coast as an extratropical low.
The National Weather Service forecasts winds to begin dropping slightly *and slowly* soon, but rain will continue until Monday.
-HAZARDS:
Numerous trees are starting to fall including one reported falling on a house on Donaldson Avenue in Raeford; transformers are blowing out with at least one reported on fire; and the strong winds are creating other serious hazards in Hoke County. Many roads are partially covered with debris. Please take precautions and stay safe.
-LUMBER RIVER EVACUATION:
There is a voluntary evacuation for people living near the Lumber River, which runs along the western border of Hoke County near Scotland and Robeson counties. (Map: http://www.ci.lumberton.nc.us/images/river/lumberrivermap.pdf )
Officials are asking people who live along the Lumber River to voluntarily evacuate due to anticipated flooding. North Carolina Emergency Management has advised that the Lumber River will likely overflow its banks. Due to Hurricane Florence, river inlets are unable to flow freely and will begin to surge. Residents in the area of the Lumber River are encouraged to VOLUNTARILY EVACUATE. Levels are expected to exceed those seen with Hurricane Matthew.
-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:
See www.readyhoke.org for details on shelters in Hoke County.
-POWER OUTAGES:
Over 1,700 homes in Hoke County – and likely more – are without power tonight throughout the county as strong winds move through the area, dropping trees and debris on roads and power lines. Strongest winds at our office in downtown Raeford reached recorded highs of 47 miles an hour shortly before 5 p.m., and our weather station recorded over an inch of rain.
-ROADS:
As of 5:30 p.m. today the traffic lights on Main Street in Raeford are out, as is the power in part of the city. East Prospect Avenue is closed off in both directions near Saunders Street.
-MCLAUCHLIN LAKES DAM:
Hoke emergency management officials were preemptively concerned about the private dam at McLauchlin Lakes possibly breaching and causing damage to Rockfish Road. They brought in a pump from the state yesterday and got it set up, and it's been pumping water to lower the lake level as a safety measure.
Stay safe, everyone!
-Ken and Catharin
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