Assistance for Western North Carolina Communities Following Helene
While Brunswick County continues to recover from PTC #8, we have seen or received several requests or questions concerning assisting those impacted by Helene in the western part of the state. At this time, it is imperative that donation efforts and volunteers connect with an organization that is part of coordinated relief efforts.
Do not go to the impacted areas unless officially requested to do so—spontaneous/self-deployed volunteers are asked to refrain from self-deploying. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is urging people to avoid traveling to western North Carolina and to consider roads in this part of the state closed.
Here are some ways you can donate or inquire about volunteer opportunities. Brunswick County cannot accept donations.
Donations
Do not send or attempt to deliver donated items unless you connect with an organization that is in the coordinated relief efforts. Additionally, cash is always best as organizing, sorting, and storing donated items can quickly become overwhelming when well-intended supplies show up unscheduled or may not best fit the needs. Donation information and questions can be answered through the following:
Volunteers
With limited access and accommodations for volunteers, spontaneous/self-deployed volunteers are asked to refrain from self-deploying. Local Emergency Management departments and North Carolina Emergency Management have a process for bringing in needed resources, in collaboration with relief agencies and non-profits. Once the impacted areas are able to support additional volunteers, the needs will be posted on the following site: ncvoad.org/volunteer (Monitor daily as it will be updated when the call for additional volunteers is made)
You may also email Buncombe County at helenevolunteers@buncombecounty.org.
As we continue to respond to the impacts of PTC #8, it is important to continue to stay alert this hurricane season. Brunswick County and the National Weather Service in Wilmington continue to monitor potential tropical activity in the Atlantic, including Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico. Here is the latest update from NWS-Wilmington about what our area could experience in the coming days due to Helene.
Latest Updates from NWS-Wilmington
Latest Weather Briefing from NWS-Wilmington as of Sept. 26, 2024 at 6 p.m. / This is the final NWS Briefing barring any major change
- Hurricane Helene will be making landfall near the Big Bend of Florida. The storm will also become physically very large and its effects will extend a great distance from the center, especially to the east of the track.
- Tornadoes appear to be the main threat. Tornadoes at night can be particularly dangerous. Make sure to have a means of receiving overnight tornado warnings (NOAA weather radio, cell phone, etc.)
- Projected rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches (plus isolated higher amounts) are possible, which could result in minor flooding issues. Areas hardest hit by last week’s heavy rain event will be particularly flood prone. Some area rivers could be impacted as a result.
- Wind gusts of 40-45 mph are possible across mainly coastal portions of northeast SC, elsewhere wind gusts of 30-35 mph expected. Gusts could be locally higher with any thunderstorms, especially with the band of thunderstorms late tonight into Friday especially in tornadic storms.
- Rough maritime conditions are expected across the coastal waters, along with steep waves around inlet entrances. Large breakers and strong rip currents are also expected in the surf.
- Minor coastal flooding is possible with each high tide along all coastal areas through Friday morning, and at downtown Wilmington and along the lower Cape Fear River through the weekend.
Brunswick County and Southeastern North Carolina should continue to monitor the evolution of this system, especially if there is any deviation to the east. Residents should still stay up-to-date with the latest forecast updates and take time now to ensure their emergency plans are in place.
Here are a few ways you can stay prepared and alert.
- Register for the ReadyBrunswick emergency notification system
- Remain alert for updates from the NWS-Wilmington at weather.gov/ilm and find the latest weather briefing at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
- Have multiple ways to get weather information (local news and radio stations, NOAA weather radios, National Weather Service, emergency alert notifications, etc.)
- Have a plan. Know how you will keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe if flooding is forecast for your area. Make sure you consider your family’s unique needs, including anyone who needs medicine or medical equipment. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if you aren’t together when flooding starts.
Find more preparedness information and resources at brunswickcountync.gov/hurricanes.