UPDATED 9/17/18: EYE ON HURRICANE FLORENCE
Your Town staff and leadership are preparing for the potential of Hurricane Florence tracking into Western North Carolina.
Hurricane Florence is predicted to make landfall somewhere near Wilmington on Thursday night. Though Montreat is more than 320 miles away, the slow moving storm could bring high winds, heavy rains, and flooding to the mountains. Montreat is still recovering from Tropical Storm Alberto, which means that additional hazards already exist.
How can you Prepare?
- Be ready for potential long power outages. You may need water, food, and supplies for each person and pet. Supplies include:
- Food, water, and medication for people and pets
- A battery-powered radio, flashlights
- Personal hygiene supplies, baby supplies, sturdy shoes
- Sign up for Code Red , Montreat’s emergency notification system.
- know where contacts and emergency phone numbers are in your home.
- Tune in to local radio or television stations for updates. Watch the Town website as well.
- Know your emergency evacuation route. You can see a copy on the Code Red/Emergency Information page.
What Should You Do During the Storm?
- Stay away from creeks and fast moving waters.
- Stay home. If you are in a safe place, stay there. Leave the roads clear for emergency personnel to react and move quickly.
How is the Town Preparing?
- Public Works crews are clearing culverts and stormwater systems in advance of the weather.
- High risk trees are being prioritized and trimmed or removed.
- The Mayor is preparing a State of Emergency declaration to clear the way for the recovery process. The Governor has already made a state-level declaration as well.
- Montreat is monitoring water levels and coordinating with the Mountain Retreat Association (MRA) and the Town of Black Mountain to prepare for potential flooding.
- Drinking water tanks will be maintained at maximum capacity.
What Will the Town do During the Storm?
- Greybeard Road will be closed preemptively between Assembly Circle and West Virginia Terrace. A detour will route traffic by way of West Virginia. Signs will mark the way.
- Public Works will be monitoring and responding to issues around stormwater systems and downed trees during and after the storms.
- An additional Police Officer is scheduled to patrol the roads and assist as needed.
Resources:
- To follow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) latest on Hurricane Florence, visit: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?cone#contents
- For tips on hurricane preparedness, visit: https://readync.org/EN/Informed_NatHaz_Hurricane.html
- To monitor water levels for Flat Creek or other waterways, visit NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network .
UPDATE (9/17/18 8:23 am)
The bulk of the rain and wind resulting from Hurricane Florence came through Montreat Sunday. However, showers are likely again on Monday and the area remains under a flash flood watch until midnight tonight.
- Flash Flood Watch: Information available by clicking here.
- Curbside Garbage Pickup: Curbside garbage and recycling pickup are postponed until Tuesday, 9/18/18. Brush and bagged leaf pickup will continue as scheduled on Wednesday.
- Power Outages: As of 9:00 pm Sunday night 296 Duke Power customers were experiencing outages in Buncombe County. Many of those were within Montreat. Some Montreat accounts may remain without power this morning, and we still do not have estimates for restoration.
- Cleanup: Montreat Public Works, Duke Power, and others are out in the streets cleaning up power lines, fallen trees, and brush this morning. Please drive cautiously and keep these crews safe.
- Emergencies: As always, if you experience an emergency or need urgent help, please call 911.
Town offices are open for a regular schedule today.