August 25, 2011 -
Brunswick County, NC - Brunswick County is currently
under a tropical storm watch for Hurricane Irene.
Hurricane Irene remains a major hurricane with
sustained winds of 115 miles per hour. Currently the
storm is located approximately 600 miles south
southeast of Wilmington and is expected to maintain
its current course which will have it passing about
75 miles to the east of Brunswick County.
Based on the current forecast, the main threat from
Hurricane Irene will be tropical storm winds,
coastal flooding and minor storm surge. While we
expect tropical storm winds from Irene, residents
should plan for a category 1 hurricane due to the
large span of the storm and the fact that a small
shift could place hurricane force winds over
portions of the county.
Based on the current forecast, voluntary evacuations
of low lying areas, areas prone to flooding, mobile
homes and homes that are subject to damage that are
within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County
will begin Friday morning. Shelters will be opened
at North Brunswick High School located at 114
Scorpion Drive in Leland and West Brunswick High
School located at 550 Whiteville Road in Shallotte
at 5pm Friday evening. West Brunswick will be a pet
friendly shelter, however, it is recommended that
those evacuating with pets should take them to the
Brunswick County Animal Services Office located on
Green Swamp Road, Supply.
Brunswick County Schools will dismiss early on
Friday, Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:50am,
High Schools at 12:50pm and Middle Schools at
12:55pm.
Brunswick County Emergency Services will be
monitoring this situation very closely, please stay
tuned to local media for updates and further
information.