GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – Counties across the east are monitoring Hurricane Matthew. Stay with WNCT 9 On Your Side and First Alert Weather as we update this page as local governments announce their plans for the storm.
You can get your full forecast from WNCT 9 First Alert Weather here.
Find updated Closings and Delays here.
Beaufort County: Beaufort County will open shelters Saturday 10 a.m. at Southside High School 5700 NC 33 Hwy E Chocowinity and P.S. Jones Middle School 4105 N Market St. Ext. Washington. For those in need of transportation to the shelters, buses will be available for pick up between the hours of 8 and 10 am from the Food Lion parking lot in Belhaven and the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Aurora. The timing of this announcement should provide all Beaufort County residents who wish to evacuate sufficient time to reach the shelter. “This shelter will provide us with full back-up power supply and pooled resources to sufficiently handle those people from low-lying areas in Beaufort County that choose to move to higher ground” reported Brian Alligood, County Manager for Beaufort County.
All shelter residents should report to the shelter with a bedroll or sleeping bag, pillow, towel, medications and personal care items. Residents with special needs should arrive at the shelter with a relative or person who is capable of providing for their care for the duration of their stay. Employers that provide room and board for individuals who speak English as a second language are encouraged to contact the Beaufort County Emergency Operations Center should they need to make shelter arrangements for employees.
Officials urge residents in low-lying areas to make evacuation plans now for departure from their homes as roads may prove impassable after 12 p.m. Saturday morning.
All residents who wish to evacuate and have issues traveling to one of the two primary shelter sites can contact the Beaufort County Emergency Operations Center at 946-2046 for information or assistance.
The Chairman of the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners issued a State of Emergency Tuesday, October 4, in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Matthew.
Bertie County: Bertie County offices closed at 1 p.m. Friday. As conditions worsened, Bertie County emergency services director Mitch Cooper alerted town administrator Allen Castelloe and the County Manager at 12 p.m. regarding NCEM/national weather service reports the county will likely see a repeat of the major flooding that occurred on September 21. And in the preceding three hours, the situation continues to look tougher for tomorrow.
Cooper secured support from NC Emergency Management Friday afternoon, and an “overhead support team” has arrived to assist at the EOC for the duration of this event.
Windsor House patients will be relocated Friday, in advance of the flooding.
The Sheriff has requested evacuation for residents in low-lying areas, especially in the Long Branch community near Colerain.
Shelter operations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday at Bertie High School.
Town of Windsor rescue responses will be coordinated by the Fire Department.
Carteret County: Carteret County officials have issued a State of Emergency for Carteret County effective 6:00 p.m. Friday and it will remain in effect until modified or rescinded.
As of 11:00 A.M. Friday there is a Tropical Storm Warning and a Hurricane Watch in effect for Carteret County.
The County Emergency Operations Center has been activated as of 9:00AM, Oct. 7th. The center is currently monitoring conditions and will update appropriately. Please stay tuned to your local news sources and County web and social media outlets. Carteret County Schools will release students 3 hours early Friday.
The public is urged to monitor the event by listening to a NOAA Weather Radio, local news channels or by following Carteret County Emergency Services at http://www.facebook.com/CCES7. You may also monitor information regarding the storm by going to WebEOC at the following link: https:Carteret.webeocasp.com/Carteret. To log in, the username is “public” and the password is “public.” The username and password should be entered in lower case letters.
Atlantic Beach: Atlantic Beach Mayor Danny Navey has signed into effect a curfew for the town due to Hurricane Matthew. The curfew will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday and end at 7 a.m. on Sunday. It will not apply for first responders or medical staff. A State of Emergency was issued for the town Friday ahead of the storm.
Emerald Isle: As of 12 noon, Mayor Barber has declared a State of Emergency in Emerald Isle. At this time, the Town urges all residents to be cautious, avoid travel, and remain indoors from Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning. Any additional restrictions, if ultimately necessary, will be announced later on Friday or Saturday. Based on the current forecast track and the projected weakening of Hurricane Matthew, the Town has not issued an evacuation order or curfew. If ultimately necessary, these actions will be announced later on Friday or Saturday. The Emerald Isle bridge is currently open, and we remain hopeful that is will not close as a result of Hurricane Matthew. The Emerald Isle bridge does NOT close at any set wind speed. The bridge will only close if the Mayor issues an evacuation order and/or imposes a curfew. Any evacuation order and/or curfew will be posted on the Town’s various digital platforms as soon as it is issued. Due to storm surge and wave action associated with Hurricane Matthew, the beach will be closed to all vehicles as of 6 pm Friday. The beach will reopen to vehicles after the impacts associated with Matthew have subsided. The Town’s website includes hurricane preparedness information, including re-rentry pass information, at http://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/hurricane-information. Additionally, if you don’t have your previously issued hurricane re-entry pass, please visit the Town Administration Building during normal business hours before 5 pm today to secure your pass. A hurricane re-entry pass will be used to allow entry back into Emerald Isle if the Town re-opens to residents and property owners ONLY, but continues to exclude non-residents, non-property owners, and visitors. Depending on the degree of damage and current conditions, the Town’s first goal is always to allow EVERYONE back in to Emerald Isle at the same time without a re-entry pass. The re-entry pass is ONLY utilized if the damage is more significant and the Town needs to limit access to residents and property owners only.
Craven County: Craven County declared a State of Emergency to be effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 in anticipation of heavy rain and flooding impacts from Hurricane Matthew. Heavy rain and flooding have the potential for life-threatening conditions and widespread damages. The Craven County Emergency Operations Center will open on Friday, October 7 in the afternoon and will be fully activated at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016. Craven County parks will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 and will remain closed until conditions permit them to reopen.
Craven County will open four emergency shelters Saturday at 10 a.m. at the following locations for citizens living in low-lying areas prone to flooding who have nowhere else to relocate to:
Havelock High School (101 Webb Blvd, Havelock)
Brinson Elementary (319 Neuse Forest Ave, New Bern)
Benn Quinn Elementary (4275 Martin Luther King Blvd, New Bern) *Pet Friendly*
Farm Life Elementary (2000 Farm Life Ave, Vanceboro)
Citizens should bring their own pillows, blankets, medication, hygiene items, special foods, baby formula (if needed) and any other special needs items. Pets will be accepted at the Ben Quinn Elementary emergency shelter only. No other emergency shelters will allow pets. This shelter accepts cats and dogs only, no exotic pets. All pets must be crated. Pet owners need to bring bowls for food and water, food and medications for their pets, and rabies certificates (not the tags). Pet owners will be expected to remain at the shelter with their pet and are responsible for caring for and cleaning up after their pet. Citizens are prohibited from bringing weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, perishable food items, radios or televisions into an emergency shelter. Small hand-held devices can be used with headphones.
For more information on emergency shelters call Craven County Emergency Management at 252-636-6608.
Craven County Government Emergency Management updates will appear on the Craven County website at http://www.cravencountync.gov, on the Craven County Facebook page @cravencounty and the Craven County Emergency Management Twitter account @cravencountyem. Visit the Craven County website to register to receive emergency notifications via text, email and phone calls through the CodeRed Emergency Notification System.
Havelock: The City of Havelock declared a State of Emergency to be effective at 5 p.m. on Friday. City of Havelock Emergency Management updates will appear on the Havelock website at http://www.havelocknc.us, on the Havelock Facebook page @HavelockNC and the Havelock Twitter account @CityofHavelock.
Currituck County: Currituck County Government issued a local State of Emergency effective 12:00 p.m., October 7, 2016 with no restrictions. This action will allow Currituck County to be better prepared should a comprehensive emergency response be needed this weekend due to Hurricane Matthew. Though the current forecast track for Hurricane Matthew remains well to the south of Currituck, county officials will monitor the situation throughout the weekend for any changes in the storm’s track and potential impacts to Currituck County. For further information, contact Currituck Emergency Management, at (252) 232-2115.
Dare County: As conditions deteriorate, road closures and travel restrictions are anticipated in Dare County, particularly for portions of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island.
Because of dangerous travel conditions, visitors throughout Dare County are encouraged to depart today (Friday) and travel to the area should be postponed until conditions improve. For information regarding road conditions and closures, visit tims.ncdot.gov/tims. For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visitwww.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12 .
By 5:00 pm Friday, all visitor services and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed until further notice.
Dare County Emergency Management strongly urges all residents and visitors to heed the following warnings –
If you are in a low-lying area, or an area prone to flooding, relocate to higher ground. This is especially important for those with special medical needs.
Residents in low-lying areas should take action to protect personal property by moving to higher ground. This includes vehicles.
Complete your disaster preparedness kits and other safety preparations now.
Stay out of the ocean due to the high threat of rip current.
Monitor trusted sources of information for life saving alerts. NOAA Weather Radio is an excellent resource for emergency alerts.
To receive email updates directly from Dare County Emergency Management, register online atwww.darecountyem.com and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter. To stay up to date with the latest weather and traffic conditions in Dare County, download the free Ready NC App at www.readync.org. View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx. Residents and visitors can contact Dare County Emergency Management by calling 252.475.5655 or visiting http://www.darenc.com for updated information.
Greene County: Greene County declared a state of emergency as of 8 Saturday morning. This declaration is in effect until further notice.
The Greene County Emergency Services will open one shelter on October 8, 2016 at 8am. The shelter is located at Greene Central High School. Only service animals will be allowed in the shelter with their owner. All other pets will be housed on the Greene Central Campus. If you bring your pet to the shelter, you will need to bring the following: Food, Bowls, Crate, and a leash. You will need to bring a three day supply of food for your animal.
Greene County Emergency Services recommends residents have an Emergency Kit, which includes the following: daily necessities, medications, and other supplies that will help you survive an emergency situation and potentially live on your own for a minimum of three days. Resources can suddenly become scarce in the midst of a disaster and your Emergency Kit should include items that get you through your unique daily routine. Recommended items include: medicines and / prescription drugs including an extra supply of required prescription medications for at least two weeks. Bring extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, blankets, pillows, clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, toiletries, moisture wipes, flashlights and extra batteries, cash in small bills, a fully charged cell phone and items for children and pets.
Greene County Emergency Services will post updates on Facebook and on our local website. If you need assistance, call the Greene County Emergency Services Office at 252-747-2544.
Hyde County: Orocacoke Island is under mandatory evacuation for visitors. Schools on Orocacoke Island are closed.
Jones County: State of Emergency in effect as of 7 p.m. Friday issued by Jones County Commissioner Zack Koonce, III.
Jones County Manager Franky Howard, and Emergency Management Director Eric Merritt have released a statement in regards to a Shelter opening in Jones County, which is attached. Jones County residents are being urged to bring ALL necessary supplies to the shelter, including Food, bottled water, Hygiene Items, Necessary Medications and devices, Clothing as well as Baby formula and supplies. Shelterees with Children are asked to bring any books or small games for their child’s entertainment. This shelter will not be equipped to admit pets, and shelterees are urged to make arrangements to secure their pets and animals before coming to the shelter.
Lenoir County: At 8am Saturday, 10/8/2016, Lenoir County declared a State of Emergency. The Lenoir County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is open and staffed 24 hours a day for the duration of this event to monitor the situation and respond to the needs of the residents of Lenoir County.
One shelter is open at Lenoir Community College in the Student Center, building two (2). Only service animals will be allowed in the shelter with their owner. All other pets (that are not service animals) will be housed on the Lenoir Community College Campus. If you bring your pet to the shelter, you will need to bring a three-day supply of food per pet, bowls, crates, and leashes. Care of your pet(s) while at the shelter is the responsibility of the owner.
Please continue to monitor local media outlets and our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/LenoirCountyEmergencyServices) and Twitter (@LenoirCountyES) for further information as Hurricane Matthew moves through our area. You can search for hashtag #MatthewNC on social media for additional information on the effects of Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina.
If you need assistance, please call the Lenoir County Emergency Services Offices at 252-559-1911.
Martin County: Martin County has declared a State of Emergency. This State of Emergency is effective at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 08, 2016 and includes all areas within Martin County, including the municipalities of Williamston, Robersonville, Parmele, Oak City, Jamesville, Hassell, Hamilton, Everetts and Bear Grass.
No restrictions or prohibitions are imposed at this time. However, all citizens of Martin County and visitors of the same are highly encouraged to adhere to laws of the State of North Carolina, ordnances within the County and respect the duties of Public Safety Personnel throughout the County.
Onslow County: The Onslow County Board of Commissions declared a State of Emergency at a 1 p.m. emergency meeting on Friday.
Onslow County government will open four storm shelters:
Dixon High School – special needs shelter, pet-friendly
Jacksonville Commons Middle School – special needs shelter, pet-friendly
Richlands High School
Swansboro High School
All storm shelters will open Saturday (10/8) at 7 a.m. and remain open as needed. For questions regarding the weather, call 910-989-5027.
All Onslow County Public Library locations, Parks & Recreation facilities and the Onslow County Museum will be closed Saturday.
Jacksonville: Mayor Sammy Phillips has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Jacksonville effective 11AM, Friday, October 7, 2016. A series of forecasts have indicated the storm might have more serious rain and wind impact for Jacksonville. Weather and Emergency Management Officials have warned against travel after this evening until the expected passing Sunday. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” should be heeded when high water is found on streets and roads.
City residents should ensure they have signed up for Jacksonville Connect, our official messaging system that will provide official messages directly from the City. Visit www.jacksonvillenc.gov/connect to sign up or refresh your information.
North Topsail Beach: North Topsail Beach has declared a State of Emergency effective at 2:30 p.m. Friday, October 7 in advance of impacts from Hurricane Matthew. There are no specific restrictions tied to the declaration at this time and a voluntary evacuation for the general public will be in effect starting at 3:00 p.m. Friday. Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (ONWASA) may potentially turn off water service if conditions warrant that to protect its system and customers. Conditions may limit our police, fire, and EMS personnel to travel freely to respond to calls for service. The Town Park at 465 New River Inlet Road closed at noon today and will re-open Monday morning. Onslow County will be opening its shelter at Dixon High School on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. (it will be a regular, special needs, and pet shelter). Onslow County will also be opening its Citizens Phone Bank at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday to answer questions about the storm. The phone number is (910) 989-5027. Town officials will continue to monitor this storm. Information and updates on North Topsail Beach are being posted on the Town’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ntbnc.
Pamlico County: Pamlico County Emergency Control Group met at 1200 hours today with State and Federal Officials and have decided to take the following measures.
Pamlico County Emergency Shelter will open at 0730 on 8-October-2016 located at Pamlico Community College 5049 NC HWY 306 S.
Pamlico County Emergency Operations will staff personnel overnight and stand fully staffed beginning 8-October-2016 at 0800 hours.
State Resources are inbound to Pamlico County to assist local Responders with any Emergency Responses that may occur during the event.
Local Emergency Management is in constant contact with State Emergency Management Officials.
Local Responders are preparing for any emergencies that may occur during the approaching storm.
Pamlico County is issuing a Voluntary Evacuation for residences in low lying and flood prone areas.
Pamlico County urges residents not to attempt to drive through high or standing water on roadways.
Pamlico County urges citizens to call 911 for Emergencies.
Pitt County: Due to the potential for flash and localized flooding brought on by the heavy rains and already saturated grounds, Pitt County Emergency Management in conjunction with the American Red Cross will open two general population shelters at 8:00pm on Friday, October 7, 2016. The two shelters will be located at Wellcome Middle School, 3101 N Memorial Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 and Ayden Middle School, 192 W 3rd St, Ayden, NC 28513. The activation of these shelters will coincide with a partial activation of the Pitt County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), also beginning at 8:00pm on Friday, October 7, 2016.
In addition to the shelter and EOC activations, Pitt Area Transit (PATS) will suspend all general operations for Saturday, October 8, 2016. Operations for dialysis patients will continue, but may be subject to suspension if conditions worsen. Regular updates on PATS operating status will be posted on the main page of the Pitt County Website at http://www.pittcountync.gov, as well as the Pitt County Twitter feed via @pittcountync. PATS information can also be obtained by calling 252-902-2002 until 6:00pm on Friday, October 7, 2016.
Emergency Management urges ALL Pitt County residents to remain vigilant in tracking this storm, and to ensure that adequate preparations have been made. DO NOT TAKE THIS EVENT LIGHTLY. The heavy amounts of rain expected, coupled with an already saturated landscape, are likely to result in possible flash flooding and significant localized flooding. Additionally, power outages and property damage could result from fallen trees and heavy wind gusts expected later Saturday into Sunday as well. Residents who live in low-lying areas, or any known areas that are prone to flooding, are heavily urged to make preparations now to ride out the storm in more secure locations.
Regular updates on all Pitt County efforts throughout the storm will be posted on the main page of the Pitt County Website at http://www.pittcountync.gov, as well as the Pitt County Twitter feed via @pittcountync. Information will also be broadcasted in regular intervals on the County’s public Information television channel, PittTv (Suddenlink Cable Channel 13). For more information on any of Pitt County’s response efforts throughout Hurricane Matthew, please call the Pitt County Office of Public Information at 252-902-3990.
Ayden: Ayden Mayor Stephen W. Tripp has announced a state of emergency for the town.
ECU: ECU encourages preparation for Hurricane Matthew, and officials said students leaving for fall break should leave Friday before impact begins Saturday morning. The university will also close some parking lots.
The large B1 zone parking lot at the bottom of College Hill Drive will be closed to incoming traffic beginning at 2:30 p.m. Friday. Vehicles parked in this lot will be allowed to remain parked until 5:30pm. ECU staff will be on site to provide parking guidance. All vehicles must be removed from the lot by 5:30pm. The university said the lot will remain closed through the weekend and be reopened when deemed safe to do so.
The C zone parking lot at the intersection of Ficklen and Charles (lower Minges lot) will be closed to incoming traffic beginning at 2:00 p.m. Friday. Vehicles parked in this lot will be allowed to remain parked until 5:00 p.m. After that, all vehicles must be removed. The lot will remain closed through the weekend and will be reopened when deemed safe to do so. All other C-zone lots will remain open.
Make sure any operable windows are closed and latched.
Shut down computers, printers and other equipment that might be adversely effected by a loss of power.
Back up any valuable data that might be lost.
If you have historically had a leak in your area during storms of this nature, cover any contents that could be damaged with plastic.
Turn off lights.
Review your department’s continuity of operations plan for additional actions that are specific to your operation.
Don’t hesitate to contact Facilities Services with any questions you may have concerning preparations.
Greenville: At 4:30 p.m., Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas declared a State of Emergency for the City of Greenville. This proclamation is based on the high probability of heavy rains and high winds associated with Hurricane Matthew.
The city activated its Emergency Operations Center Friday at 4 p.m., in anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential flooding this weekend. This will be a Level II activation that will allow key personnel to ensure that all potential functions and roles are operational in the event of an emergency.
All Recreation and Parks facilities will be closed on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, and all programs have been cancelled.
GREAT Bus Transit services for Saturday, October 8 have been suspended.
The Greenville Down East Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday, October 8 at Five Points Plaza has been cancelled.
Some areas of the city are more prone to flooding during heavy rain events. Potential flood zones in Greenville include:
14th Street and Charles Street (Both sides of Rite-Aid)
10th Street and College Hill
1st Street and Brownlea Drive
Reade Street and Cotanche Street
Evans Street and Deck Street
Evans Street and Arlington Boulevard
Dickinson Avenue Underpass
Old Tar Road
Residents should make every effort to stay off the roads this weekend, but those who must travel in flood-prone areas are advised to stay alert for standing water and the potential that some streets could be blocked if flooding occurs. If you encounter flooding, the following safety tips are recommended:
Remember that flash flooding can occur even if it is not raining in your area because it could be raining harder upstream.
Never attempt to drive through water covering a roadway or bridge. Keep in mind that it does not take a lot of water to incapacitate a vehicle, and there may not be a road under the water.
Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road.
Watch for debris (rocks, limbs, etc.) that may be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk or swim through flood waters.
Stay on high ground as much as possible.
To report an emergency situation during the storm, call 911. To report any flooding after the storm, call 329.4522.
Flooding is not the only concern associated with the heavy rainfall. The grounds are already saturated, and the additional water may loosen the dirt around trees and power lines. High winds that are often associated with a tropical system could cause the trees or power lines to fall. If you encounter a downed power line, do not touch it and call the Greenville Utilities Commission emergency hotline immediately at 1-855-767-2482. Always assume that a power line is live and dangerous.
Residents who choose to evacuate and go to one of the available shelters should keep in mind that local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets at disaster shelters. Below is a list of reputable kennels currently accepting pets:
Animal Care Veterinary Hospital, 502 McMillan Lane, Greenville 252.758.9971
Animal Hospital of Pitt County, 107 Trade Street, 252.756.0148
Barking Buddies, 104 Trade Street, 252.439.2275
Four Paws Inn, 3131 Moseley Drive, 252.329.7297
Hoffman-Haus Pet Resort, 1031 Laurie Ellis Road, 252.355-4663
E&B Boarding, 3729 JC Galloway Road, 252.531.7057
Riverside Pet Resort, 6038 Clarks Neck Road, Washington, 252.975.5800
In case of emergencies, the City of Greenville’s Animal Protective Services will have officers working throughout the weekend. Contact them at 252.329.4387.