Hurricane Matthew: State of Emergency Declared
Mayor urges residents to be prepared for major flooding, power outages
Citing the most recent series of forecasts, guidance from Emergency Management officials and a deep local knowledge of storm effects, 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.
The flooding impact could be serious with a suggestion that residents of areas prone to flooding consider taking action now. Residents of those areas should consider alternative places to shelter against the storm at this time, rather than when the water rises.
Water may rise quickly and residents should be ready for significant winds that are likely to follow. Onslow County maintains a list of shelters on their website and has announced they will be opening a shelter at Dixon High School Saturday morning.
The Mayor, Public Safety Director and emergency management officials urge all to be prepared with their own emergency supplies as power could be interrupted, trees could come down from wet grounds and high winds and streets could be blocked or flooded.
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.
As a highly precautionary measure should a curfew be necessary, persons who work at the hospital or other essential operations should visit the Center for Public Safety for a re-entry pass.
City crews will be working throughout the storm event, but will be limited in their potential actions when the winds exceed 45 miles an hour.
As a result of the expected high water, residents should be cautious that snakes and other wild animals as well as insects may seek higher ground.
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Some City of Jacksonville actions taken:
· City Streets crews have worked to ensure storm drains are clear and ready for a deluge.
· Utilities crews have worked to prepare the City’s treatment lagoons for a surcharge of rain and to protect manholes that could be inundated.
· Sandbags have been delivered to New Bridge Street businesses who could be affected by wave action from flooded streets.
· City Streets crews and Police are prepared to block flooded streets and areas such as along the New River.
· Some Recreation programs have been altered as a result of weather related actions taken by others.