Last Town of Oak Island Update: September 26, 2024 • 8:00 PM
PLEASE NOTE: For information related to recovery efforts from PTC #8, visit the Storm Recovery Information page at OakIslandNC.gov/PTC8.
FORECAST INFORMATION
(September 26 • 6:00 PM): Using data from the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service in Wilmington, NC has issued its FINAL briefing for Hurricane Helene, barring any major changes.
This includes an enhanced (Level 3 of 5) tornado threat across the area overnight into Friday morning (see on the graphic below).
There are NO additional briefings expected.
BACKGROUND
While Oak Island is not currently forecast to receive a direct impact from Hurricane Helene, it is important to note this is a very large storm, with far-reaching impacts that will still affect the area.
These impacts include:
- Significant Rainfall
- Minor Flooding
- Strong Winds
- Rough Surf Conditions
With the Brunswick County area still recovering from the recent impacts of PTC #8, it is STRONGLY encouraged to make preparations as if this were a direct impact. (see Personal Preparedness Actions below).
PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
The Town of Oak Island states that, "in addition to reviewing the PREPAREDNESS & GENERAL INFORMATION section of their severe weather page, it is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to review the following preparation reminders, and take any actions needed:
- MAKE PLANS to MOVE all vehicles (especially including Electric Vehicles and Golf Carts / LSVs) from flood prone areas, or from under the home in the beachfront areas that may be subject to flooding.
- INVENTORY all emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine and other essential items listed, and restock as needed.
- REVIEW personal response plans, and determine NOW if / when you will personally feel the need to evacuate (if needed), and where you will relocate to (NOTE: If you personally feel unsafe, you can voluntarily leave at any time, no evacuation order is needed - but make sure you have destination and route in place).
Finally, remember "PREPARATION is better than PANIC!" There is still adequate time to calmly take the steps needed to secure your home and / or plan your personal response, if action is taken NOW."
ROAD CLOSURES MAPS
If deciding to leave your home, please use the Road Closures Map provided by Brunswick County to plan a route that avoid current repair projects throughout the area.
Information on travel to and from Oak Island is provided by NCDOT through the Drive NC Road Closure Map.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: while it is now possible to get to Oak Island from US HWY 17, several neighboring communities have been impacted by damaged or completely destroyed roads.
As a result, traffic to other communities may be rerouting through Oak Island. At times, this can make for slow, heavily congested travel.
The Town of Oak Island states to plan a considerable amount of time beyond what it would normally take. Make sure vehicles have sufficient fuel / charge to accommodate potentially long wait times.
TOWN PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
Preparedness Actions currently underway from the Town include:
- IMPORTANT: The Beach Warning Flag condition for Friday, September 27 will be set at DOUBLE RED
NOTE: All streets have been reopened since of PTC #8, however new closures may become needed again if conditions worse. If so, these will be reported on this page. Remember: DO NOT DRIVE through floodwaters of ANY depth!
Town staff have conducted meeting in the Town's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to review response plans and assess resources personnel needs. Should an activation of the EOC become needed, a notification will be provided on this page.
CLOSURES & CANCELLATIONS
ALL Town Facilities will have a DELAYED OPENING of 10:00 AM on Friday, September 27, due to heavy rains anticipated in the overnight and early morning hours.
Additional schedule changes include:
LIVE WEBCAMS OF OAK ISLAND AREA
- To view current conditions, property owners and guests can view the local webcams available in the area:
