OCTOBER 10th HURRICANE MICHAEL UPDATE 2:00 pm
Columbus County, NC – As of the 2:00 pm National Weather Service update, Hurricane Michael is a strong Category 4 storm. Hurricane Michael has made landfall in Florida with wind speeds of 155 mph. This is the strongest storm ever recorded to hit the Florida Panhandle.
Columbus County declared a State of Emergency, effective at 9:30 am, Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Columbus County is anticipated to experience tropical storm force winds beginning at noon tomorrow. The sustained tropical storm force winds are anticipated to last approximately twelve (12) hours. Columbus County could see several inches of rain. The rainfall is anticipated to last twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) hours. Columbus County is still recovering from Hurricane Florence. The anticipated rainfall from Hurricane Michael could cause flooding issues for some areas. The threat of isolated tornadoes in Columbus County will begin early Thursday morning, lasting until late Thursday night.
Due to the unfavorable weather conditions and possibility of power outages, the following two Columbus County shelters will be opened tomorrow, October 11th, at 8:00 am.
Edgewood Elementary School – 317 East Calhoun Street, Whiteville
West Columbus High School – 7294 Andrew Jackson Highway Southwest, Cerro Gordo
Edgewood Elementary School is the county’s designated pet friendly shelter. Only domestic animals will be allowed at the shelter.
All Columbus County Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools will be closed Thursday. A decision will be made Thursday whether to open schools on Friday. Columbus Charter School will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Two public access lines have been established at EOC. You should utilize the following numbers to report downed trees, power lines, flooding, or if you have questions concerning shelters or if you need travel arrangements to a shelter.
(910) 642-8193
(910) 642-7684
Please call 911 ONLY if you have an emergency. DO NOT call 911 for any of the above reasons unless someone’s life is in imminent danger.
The following numbers should be utilized to report power outages:
Brunswick Electric – 1-800-682-5309
Duke – 1-800-769-3766
Four County Electric – 1-888-368-7289
Additional updates will be made as they are available.
