Brunswick County PTC #8 Updates
Information as of Sept. 19, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Brunswick County continues to respond to the impacts of Potential Tropical Cyclone #8. Public safety and essential personnel continue to work through the day and night to help our community recover from the storm. Community members with questions related to PTC #8 can call our Call Center at 910-253-5383.
Here are some of the latest information and updates as of Thursday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. Find the latest updates at brunswickcountync.gov/ptc8.
NCDOT Update on US-17
Portion of U.S. 17 in Brunswick County to Open After Storm, traffic will be in temporary traffic pattern
*This is a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) notice. Brunswick County is not responsible for the accuracy of this information. For the most up-to-date information, visit the NCDOT website or contact NCDOT directly. Read Original Release on NCDOT Website Here.
A section of U.S. 17 in Brunswick County that flooded during this week’s recent heavy rain will reopen to traffic today.
Crews with the N.C. Department of Transportation are actively working to reopen U.S. 17 in Town Creek. Drivers should anticipate congestion and delays until the new traffic pattern is complete, later today.
Once the highway is open and new traffic pattern set, drivers will be able to utilize U.S. 17 in both directions until the area of Governors Road SE. At this location, NCDOT will shift northbound traffic to the southbound side and create a two-lane, two-way traffic pattern, with cars moving in both directions on the southbound side. This pattern will continue until just south of the N.C. 87 intersection.
The northbound lanes of U.S. 17 will remain closed where floodwaters damaged the pavement. Repairs are underway, which includes removing the current pavement, and repaving the highway, which will take several days.
Delays are expected in this area due to the reduced lanes, so NCDOT encourages drivers, if possible, to utilize the larger detour routes of N.C. 211 to U.S. 74/76.
Drivers on U.S. 17 North will be able to access N.C. 87, but southbound drivers will either have to make a U-turn after the intersection father down on U.S. 17, or take U.S. 17 Business (Old Ocean Highway) to Danford Road.
It is important to remember when traveling, many roads in Brunswick County are still closed. Drivers should plan their commutes ahead of their travels and be alert. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media
Road Closures and Impacts
A map of the latest known road closures and their current status is available via the link above. We have also heard several questions concerning some mobile map applications not correctly displaying closed roads. Please take caution and check Brunswick County’s online map and the North Carolina Department of Transportation's DriveNC.gov online map before traveling to ensure you are following accurate, safe routes.
Brunswick County is receiving several questions about when our roads and highways will reopen, including US-17 and NC-133. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell when floodwaters may recede to allow people to pass through—and even then, the roads will still need to be inspected to ensure they are safe to travel on. Several roads in the county were damaged and will require repairs before they can be traveled on again. NCDOT is currently working to assess roads and bridges that are not currently flooded.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never drive, walk, or swim through flooded roadways or past barricades on roads. You never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or weakened beneath the water. Remember, just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 12 inches of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Before you leave, check for active road incidents on North Carolina Department of Transportation's DriveNC.gov map (using the Potential Tropical Cyclone filter), the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, NC’s social media pages and mobile app, and local municipal pages.
Brunswick County Commissioners Meeting Rescheduled for Sept. 23
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners meeting that was to be held on Sept. 16, 2024, has been rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers on the first floor of the David R. Sandifer Administration Building at 30 Government Center Drive in Bolivia (28422).
Brunswick County Remains Closed Thursday, Sept. 19
Brunswick County Government will remain closed to the public Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, due to severe weather impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone #8. All Brunswick County Government offices, libraries, and other facilities will reopen on their regular schedules Friday, Sept. 20 unless additional closures or schedule changes become necessary. See below for more details concerning operations at our Landfill and Parks.
Brunswick County Landfill
The Brunswick County Landfill will reopen on its normal schedule beginning today, Thursday, Sept. 19. The Free Cleanup Week at the Brunswick County Landfill begins today, Thursday, Sept. 19 and will be extended into next week through Saturday, Sept. 28 to allow residents additional time to benefit from this service following the storm.
Curbside Trash & Recycling Cart Collections
GFL Environmental was not able to collect curbside trash and recycling carts on Monday or Tuesday due to flooding and poor road conditions. Monday AND Tuesday curbside trash and recycling customers will now receive pick-up Saturday, Sept. 21. Customers with missed service can also contact GFL Environmental now to see if their cart can be collected earlier than Saturday. If you have any questions regarding Monday and Tuesday collections, please contact GFL at 910.253.4177.
GFL Environmental does not anticipate any issues with collections for remaining collection days at this time.
Brunswick County Parks & Recreation
Brunswick County Parks are now open across the county, with the exception of Brunswick Nature Park. Leland Community Park and Town Creek District Park were previously closed but have now reopened.
Please note that all Brunswick County Flag Football, Future Stars Cheer, Youth Football, Youth Cheer, and Youth Soccer games scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 have been cancelled. We hope to see everyone back on the field next Saturday, Sept. 28.
Brunswick County Library
Brunswick County Library is not charging fines for materials due this week. The Library will be fine-free through Monday, Sept. 23. Please stay safe and keep your library materials safe as well.
Factsheets for Recovery from NC Cooperative Extension
Recovering after a disaster can be very trying. Experts with NC State Cooperative Extension have a series of videos and factsheets to help families deal with issues from managing a flooded home and avoiding pest problems, to food safety and emotional distress related to a natural disaster. A full list of factsheets can be found at ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster-factsheets/recovery.
Some helpful fact sheets for those dealing with flooded houses and neighborhoods:
Health & Safety Reminders
If WIC (Women, Infants and Children Nutritional Services) clients need to submit documents, please submit them via email to WIC@brunswickcountync.gov. Our staff will be in touch when the County is able to re-open normal operations.
Flood waters are not safe for human contact. Avoid walking in or any other contact with flood waters as there is likely contamination potentially causing illness.
Use extra caution with all clean-up and repairs. Hazards to be aware of are contaminated flood waters, wildlife displaced by flooding, loose debris displaced by flood waters, and other unusual impacts.
Click here for more health and safety tips for after a flood.
Mosquito Control
Brunswick County’s Mosquito Control division will actively spray via spray truck throughout the unincorporated areas of the county once conditions are safe to do so to address adult mosquito populations related to this storm. This service is weather dependent and takes place around dusk each evening. Residents can use the County’s online service request form to request service, which is available on our website at brunswickcountync.gov/mosquitocontrol.
Keep in mind that there is higher demand for this service following storm events. If you live within incorporated city, town, or village limits, check with your municipal officials to see if your area receives mosquito control services from your municipality.
Mosquitos may become more bothersome in the days following a rain and flooding event such as this. While not all species nor all mosquitos carry diseases, there is always a possibility they could. Recent testing of mosquitos from our area tested at the NC State Public Health Lab revealed no mosquitos positive for any diseases. Use long sleeves and long pants, hats and other protective clothing, avoid dawn and dusk outside activity, and use mosquito repellants when outside.
Water & Wastewater Services
Water service has been restored to the Pinecrest Drive area. About 120 housing units were affected. We encourage customers to check our Advisories & News webpage to see the latest status or updates concerning any system pressure advisories or outage notices. To receive notification via email when a general advisory is issued, sign up for the Utilities Updates email list. Customers can report issues using our after-hours emergency lines listed below.
- 910-755-7921
- 910-371-3490
- 910-454-0512
Call Center & Assistance Requests
Brunswick County Emergency Management has set up a Call Center to help address questions and assistance requests related to Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 and its aftermath. Call the Call Center at 910-253-5383. Individuals can also email questions to emergency.management@brunswickcountync.gov.
Participating agencies from the Brunswick County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) help provide support and resources to the community following storms and disasters. If you have a need for assistance related to Potential Tropical Cyclone #8, contact Emergency Management at 910-253-5383 to be added to an assessment list for support. Assistance needs can include needing help with hot meals, moving furniture, clean up, etc.
Other Assistance Opportunities
- Baptist on Mission is assisting in cleaning up homeowners’ properties following the storm. Individuals can sign up for the waiting list online here. Putting your name on this list does not guarantee help from the organization. Families can also contact their Leland and Southport locations to sign up for the waiting list via the phone numbers and emails below.
- Leland: (910)232-5141 or f.leland2024@ncmissions.org
- Southport: (910)232-5149 or f.southport2024@ncmissions.org
- Another option for help with cleaning up damage is the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 910-218-1569. They will help connect you with volunteers from local organizations, groups, and faith communities to assist with muck out, debris, tarp, and trees. Services are free but not guaranteed due to need. The hotline will remain open through Oct. 4, 2024
- Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) is offering the community free resources and supplies at their main location at 929 Old Ocean Highway in Bolivia (while supplies last).
Free Resources Include:
- Flood buckets (cleaning supplies, gloves, muck/gut tools)
- Health kits (toiletries, first aid, towels)
- Quilts
- Some brooms, mops, and shovels
- Backpacks filled with school supplies
- Kitchen kits for use in a hotel
Click here for more information and resources related to assistance for PTC #8.
Next update: Sept. 19 around 5 p.m.
County Operations
State of Emergency