Thursday briefing on Hurricane Irene

From the National Weather Service in Raleigh: Thursday morning briefing, 9 a.m.

Dangerous hurricane Irene moving over the northwestern Bahamas...A hurricane watch is in effect for north of Surf City North Carolina to the North Carolina-Virginia border including the Pamlico...Albemarle...and Currituck sounds. A tropical storm watch is in effect for north of Edisto beach South Carolina to Surf City North Carolina.

Five-day Forecast Track: The official forecast track has Irene has shifted back to the west since yesterday. This track would still keep the highest impacts mainly east of I-95…with the greatest impacts along the Outer Banks.

Rainfall amounts will be greatest east of I-95 and particularly near the coast where greater than 6 inches of rainfall is possible. The chance for heavy rain will rapidly diminish to the west…with most of central NC only expecting to see an inch or two of rainfall. Depending on where the outer bands set up, localized heavier rainfall amounts greater than 2 inches may be seen across the central portion of the state.

Potential for worst wind confined mainly east of I-95, and particularly the Outer Banks. Can’t rule out a couple brief gusts up around 40 mph across the central part of the state associated with the outer bands.

Major marine and coastal impacts expected, including storm surge and coastal flooding, high winds, dangerous surf, and rip currents. For additional details regarding the immediate coastal impacts, please see the briefings from NWS Newport and NWS Wilmington at:

• NWS Newport briefing: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/mhx/downloads/briefings/
• NWS Wilmington briefing: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ilm/downloads/briefings/

Confidence Factor: With the slight shift back to the left…it should be noted that central NC residents should not let their guard down…and additional track adjustments…and thus impact adjustments…are still possible…so stay tuned!

Football Game Rescheduled

Due to the potential threat of inclement weather by Hurricane Irene, the Hoke County High School football game versus South View High School originally scheduled for Friday, August 26, has been rescheduled for Thursday, August 25, at 7:30 PM.

Source: http://www.hcs.k12.nc.us/

Statement from the Governor's Office

Press Release

Gov. Perdue Urges North Carolinians to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

Gov. Bev Perdue today encouraged her fellow North Carolinians to be prepared for Hurricane Irene possibly hitting the state on Saturday:

“Our state’s veteran emergency management team is ready for Irene, but our fellow North Carolinians need to be just as prepared. Please make sure you have three days worth of food, water and supplies. You may lose water or electrical power during the storm, and grocery stores and other businesses may be closed. Also make sure you know the evacuation routes in case you must leave the area. Lastly, have a plan for keeping your family and pets safe. It takes just a short time to put together your hurricane kit, so please do that today. If you need tips or information on any of your preparations, please go to www.readync.org or www.nccrimecontrol.com and click on ‘emergency info.’”

Here is information for assembling your hurricane kit:

To assemble an emergency kit, start with an easy-to-carry, water-tight container, such as a large plastic trash or sturdy cardboard box, lined with plastic trash bags. Next gather up the following items and place them in your kit:

Essentials
• Water - one gallon per person per day
• Water purification kit or bleach
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant, soup and cereals, etc.
• Non-electric can opener
• Baby supplies: formula, bottles, pacifiers, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
• Cash and checkbook
• Important documents – insurance, birth certificates, social security cards, wills, tax and bank information, list of doctors, inventory of household goods
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
• Blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Portable radio or television with extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Essential medications
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
• Extra house and car keys
• Fire extinguisher – ABC-type
• Pet food, water, leash, carrier, bedding and vaccination records
• Seasonal changes of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Books, cards, toys, things to occupy you and your child’s time

Sanitation Supplies
• Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos
• Large trash cans
• Bar soap and liquid detergent
• Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Toilet paper
• Household bleach
• Rubber gloves

Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store in one place enough supplies for at least three to seven days.

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