Storm-related closures, cancellations in southeastern North Carolina

WILMINGTON, N.C.

As communities in southeastern North Carolina continue to keep and eye on Idalia, some have announced closures and event cancellations due to the storm’s expected arrival.

Schools

Pender County Schools has made the decision to close all schools and move to remote learning for Thursday, Aug. 31. All after school activities, including PACES, are canceled for both Wednesday and Thursday.

“Barring unforeseen developments, we plan to conduct classes and activities as usual on Friday, September 1, that decision is subject to change as this weather pattern has the potential to lead to localized flooding and other associated challenges,” the school system announced. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members.”

Brunswick County Schools has decided to have an early release day on Wednesday, Aug. 30 and to close to all students in staff on Thursday, Aug. 31. For the early release Wednesday, your child’s school will release a call with specific times and information.

All afterschool activities set for Wednesday and Thursday evenings have been canceled. The district says that it plans to operate on a regular schedule on Friday, and a decision will be made and communicated by no later than 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Columbus County Schools will move to remote instruction for Thursday, and students will get instructions on activities during class on Wednesday. Teachers will be available during the school day on Thursday to help students out.

There will be no athletic games or travel activities after school on Wednesday, though practices may be held if it is safe to do so.

“It is very important that students complete assignments and engage in the learning process during this time. Technical support will be available on the Columbus County Schools website for any student having difficulty with technology. Please note that Pre-K and Kindergarten students will receive instructions from their teacher if they have not yet received devices,” a Columbus County Schools announcement states.

Whiteville City Schools will operate regularly on Wednesday with no after-school sporting events. Practices may be conducted but must be finished by 6 p.m. Schools will be closed on Thursday and are expected to reopen on Friday.

Bladen County Schools will transition to asynchronous remote learning for Thursday. Teachers will send assignments home with students on Wednesday, and all after school activities on Wednesday have been cancelled. The district plans to operate on a normal schedule on Friday.
Duke Energy

Ahead of the storm’s potential arrival, Duke Energy announced that it has mobilized over 5,000 responders to help with the impacts in Florida.

Carolina Beach

On Tuesday. Aug. 29, the Town of Carolina Beach announced the following:

Emergency Information: Town officials will post regular updates on weather conditions, closures, and anything related to the storm via press release, website updates, and Town social media sites.
Snow’s Cut Bridge: Snow’s Cut Bridge will remain open for the duration of the storm unless sustained winds of more than 45 mph are reported.
Freeman Park: Freeman Park will close at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 30, and will remain closed until conditions allow for normal operation.
Swimming: Rough surf and rip currents are a significant hazard during storms and beach visitors are advised to avoid swimming in the ocean until conditions improve.
Road Closures: Roads or sections of roads may be closed due to flooding. Avoid walking or driving in flooded areas; salt water can be harmful to your vehicle as well as nearby homes/buildings and could contain hazardous debris.
Trash Collection 8/31: Trash services normally provided on Thursdays are cancelled for Aug. 31. Collection of additional trash will occur next week.
Friday Fireworks: The final Boardwalk Blast for 2023 with music and fireworks is still scheduled to occur on Friday, Sept. 1. Plans are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Southport

On Tuesday. Aug. 29, the City of Southport announced the following closures and cancellations:

“City Pier, City Dock, Riverwalk, and all City Parks (including the Dog Park), will be closing at 4:00pm on Wednesday, August 30th.
The August 30th Historic Preservation Commission meeting is cancelled and will be rescheduled.
The Fort Johnston-Southport Visitors’ Center & Museum will be closed on Thursday, August 31st.
All City Parks & Recreation buildings and activities (including Open Gym) are cancelled for Thursday, August 31st.
The August 31st Board of Aldermen Special Meeting and Homelessness Forum is cancelled and will be rescheduled.
The August 31st Concert in the Park has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.”

N.C. Ferry Division

The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division expects its ferry schedule will be affected by the storm.

“The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division is expecting significant schedule impacts system-wide beginning Wednesday due to the anticipated arrival of severe weather conditions from Hurricane Idalia,” an announcement from the division states. “The storm is forecast to bring tropical storm winds and heavy rain to the North Carolina coast beginning Wednesday evening.

“… All other routes will suspend operations if and when conditions worsen. Passengers can receive real-time text or email alerts from their preferred routes by signing up for the Ferry Information Notification System (FINS) at www.ncdot.gov/fins. System-wide route status updates will also be posted on the Ferry Division’s Twitter and Facebook pages.”

Moores Creek National Battlefield

Moores Creek National Battlefield will be closed on Thursday.