Hurricane Florence: Forecast puts Bladen County closer to heart of the storm
"I have a mobile home in
Pigford was among millions leaving the coastline of North and
The storm was forecast, in several computer models consistently, to enter land late Thursday to early Friday near
Hurricane watches and warnings covered more than 5.4 million people on the
"I think this is going to be something our generation hasn't seen," said Sheriff
Hazel's winds were 130 mph when it came ashore;
"If there has ever been a time for people to be resilient and take care of theirselves, now is the time," said
And perhaps his best advice, "Just be patient."
Extended periods of time without power are anticipated. Tuesday's classes were the last this week for schools;
Saturday's 26th annual
Life-threatening storm surge from the storm was 300 miles ahead of its eye. Sustained winds Wednesday at
"My mom lived through Hazel, and she's told me horror stories about it," said
Rain and flooding are high concerns with
"Our people will respond to help all citizens of this county until it gets so rough nobody can respond," McVicker said.
Kinlaw and McVicker said residents should evacuate the area, go to a shelter or stay put -- being out on the roads was among the worst things that anyone could do.
"Don't compromise the first responders," McVicker said.
Kinlaw said help that normally comes from the western part of the state would be mostly absent. The storm is so large and expected to move so slow that an area from
Guesses on the impact were hard to come by in several areas important to the county.
"Rain, wind and flooding are our biggest concerns -- how much and how long," said
Schools, said spokeswoman
"A lot of decisions, as far as having shelters open, is really predicated on what emergency management operations need to have," Newton said. "With the intensity of this storm, they quickly recognized we needed to open shelters sooner rather than later.
"Post-storm assessment will look at conditions of the roads, schools and try to make a determination and where we would even be if we can open the next day or two or three days down the road. We can't operate schools with a shelter at the same time."
One possible new shelter to be added to the mix, when the number at the shelters decreases, is the
Newton said
County Manager
"We're accustomed to a lot of comforts, and power is a big factor in that," Martin said. "Without electricity, it'll be a lifestyle change. With Matthew, my electricity was restored in three or four days. An extended period would be challenging."
McVicker said two deputies would be at each school and all would be working. Kinlaw said the county had prepared with personnel, logistics and equipment.
"Every event is unique and different," Martin said, "and this one appears to be very threatening and serious."
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Hurricane Florence: Bladen County rainfall estimates are 26 inches in Elizabethtown, 30 in Riegelwood
WHAT’S HAPPENING: Rescues needed in Florence’s heavy rains
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