Storm shifts but concern still lingers for Scotland County

Oct. 06--LAURINBURG -- Expectations for Hurricane Matthew's impact on Scotland County have been lowered by the latest forecasts, but residents should remain "vigilant," according to Roylin Hammond, director of Scotland County Emergency Services.

Hurricane Matthew is expected to turn more east this weekend than previous models have shown.

"It appears the direction of the storm has changed dramatically," Hammond said after speaking with officials with North Carolina Emergency Management. "It doesn't look like it is going to impact the coast at the same level that we thought on Tuesday." Hammond will take part in another conference call with state officials at 2 p.m. today.

Matthew is expected to make landfall in eastern Florida overnight tonight and continue to hug the coastline as it moves up to South Carolina and North Carolina before taking a right out into the Atlantic.

The storm that was feared would be a Category 3 hurricane when it hit North Carolina, was now more likely to be a Category 1 when it approached -- meaning winds measuring from 76 to 100 mph.

"This morning we received some good news that Matthew's track has moved slightly off shore, but we remain cautiously optimistic and are prepared to respond at a moment's notice," said Gov. Pat McCrory, who issued a state of emergency on Monday for 66 counties, including Scotland. "It is still extremely important for residents in the eastern parts of the state to stay informed in case you need to evacuate and always follow the directions of your local emergency officials."

Hammond agreed and said that people should remain cautious because hurricanes can still effect areas hundreds of miles from its core. The county has three emergency shelters -- Scotland High School and Carver and Spring Hill middle schools.

"Residents need to remain very vigilant and keep and eye out for what is going on," he said. "We're not anticipating a threat, but that doesn't mean it can't happen or change overnight."

The city of Laurinburg is also advising residents not to focus on the exact track of this system, "as strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surge will extend far from the center of the system."

Hammonds said that 3 inches of rain are expected in Scotland County, but he does not expect flooding because of the county's flat and sandy surfaces.

"There are a few city streets that may flood, but the storm drains should take that water away," he said. "We do not expect major flooding here unlike Harnett, and Hoke and Cumberland that are still dealing with the heavy rains from last week."

Area lane closures directly related to last week's heavy rain are expected to remain in place for the next 30 days. Motorists should use alternate routes to avoid the congested area.

Road closures include: N.C. 690 near the Cumberland and Moore County line; Johnson Mill Road near U.S. 401 in Hoke County; and Buddy Barefoot Road and Thompson Road in Harnett County.

Road closures are listed on the Travelers Information Management System at http://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/.

Postponed

Scotland school officials decided to move Friday's Scotland High School varsity football game to tonight at 7:30. They have cancelled the high school's homecoming parade also set for Friday. Homecoming candidates and club floats could be entered in the Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on Dec. 3.

Saturday's John Blue Cotton Festival will take place as planned, organizers said.

The storm will also alter the beginning of duck season this week, with hunters finding that access roads have been closed on public game lands. In anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Matthew, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will begin closing public game land roads in neighboring Robeson County and 22 other counties today.

Hunters will still be allowed to access the game lands on foot. Game land roads will remain closed until Commission personnel have checked each road and deemed it to be safe and suitable for public use. All closing and re-opening information can be viewed at http://www.ncwildlife.org/gamelands.

Preparation

To prepare for a hurricane, residents are advised to build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Transportation officials remind motorists to obey traffic signs. If a road is closed, turn around.

State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said people may also want to identify potential hazards around a home. Hanging tree branches, loose shingles, patio furniture and other outdoor objects can cause damage or injuries in a storm. Goodwin recommended making repairs or securing large objects to reduce the threat.

"It's always better to be safe than sorry," said state Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. "Compiling important documents and making a home inventory are simple things you can do right now to ease the insurance claims process should you suffer property damage or loss."

For information on hurricane preparation, check out www.readync.org. For real-time travel information, visit the Traveler Services section of NCDOT.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

Reach Scott Witten at 910-506-3023

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