2 p.m. update: Wilmington-area could see greater impacts from Hurricane Dorian

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Latest NHC track shows storm moving toward Southeastern North Carolina by Thursday morning

WILMINGTON — Southeastern North Carolina got a sense of deja vu Saturday morning as the region found itself inside the dreaded cone of uncertainty for Hurricane Dorian.

By late Friday, Hurricane Dorian had intensified to a category 4 storm with 140 mph maximum sustained winds. By 8 a.m. Saturday, the winds had increased to 145 mph and the National Hurricane Center’s latest update put the eye of the storm just south of the Carolina coast around 8 a.m. Thursday morning.

As of the 2 p.m. update, the storm was moving west at 8 mph. Hurricane conditions are expected across the northwestern Bahamas by Sunday, with tropical storm winds beginning Saturday night. Tropical storm-force winds could arrive in Southeastern North Carolina by Tuesday night.

However, with such drastic changes in the track of the storm over the past few days, the National Weather Service’s Wilmington is cautioning local residents not to panic, but be vigilant.

“The track will definitely continue to change, but to what degree we don’t know,” said meteorologist Jordan Baker. “It’s been changing so much, and we still have a lot to go. But we want people to have a plan now, so if we get closer and there looks like there could be impacts, you will be ready.”

Baker said it’s a little too early to know what kind of rain or wind impacts could be seen locally.

At area gas stations, it was hard to tell whether the long lines were for Labor Day traffic or the early signs of hurricane prep. But at grocery stores, the preparation for Dorian were clearly underway. Some people reported shelves cleared of water, while area Food Lions had already put out dozens of extra cases.

Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina on Friday afternoon ahead of the potential impacts the state could feel from Hurricane Dorian next week.

Although the storm was too far away to make concrete predictions about the impacts that could be seen on the North Carolina coast, Cooper’s declaration waives certain transportation restrictions to help farmers and support relief efforts in advance of the storm.

“Hurricane Dorian tracking toward the coast of Florida is a timely reminder to get your emergency plans and supplies ready,” Cooper said in a release. “North Carolinians should make sure they are ready for this storm and for all types of emergencies and disasters.”

Dorian’s track is still uncertain, but forecasters are warning it’s possible the storm will bring significant rainfall to the Cape Fear region by late next week.

At 3 p.m. Friday, Brunswick County issued a statement citing the NWS’ immediate concerns as ongoing tidal/coastal flooding and the increased threat for rip currents during Labor Day weekend. Coastal North Carolina residents who hit the beaches for the long weekend should be on the lookout for rough surf and strengthening rip currents beginning Saturday.

University of North Carolina Wilmington announced Friday it was monitoring the storm but did not anticipate any closures or delays early next week.

More long-range concerns through late next week could include flooding, rain, storm surges, tornadoes and damaging winds — all depending on how Dorian’s track develops over the coming days.

Due to the high uncertainty of the storm’s path, coastal residents should prepare their hurricane kits now and continue to monitor the storm throughout the weekend.

How to prepare before a storm hits:

Necessities

Water. 1 gallon per person, per day, prepare for a minimum of three days.
Battery-operated television or radio.
Extra batteries
Manual can opener
Local maps
Flashlights and waterproof matches
Cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Toilet paper
Baby supplies
Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm)
Rain gear (including a hat)
Bleach or water purification tablets
Soap and detergent
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
Charcoal/lighter fluid or portable camping stove
Disposable plates, glasses and utensils
Ice chest and ice
Valuable papers — insurance information, passports, Social Security cards, bank account and credit card numbers, wills, deeds, etc. — or copies, in a waterproof bag
Prescription and other necessary medicines
Blankets, tarp and masking tape
Dust mask to filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Three day’s worth of clothing, sleeping bags
First-aid kit, aspirin or pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, scissors, tweezers, bug spray
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Fire extinguisher — ABC type
Extra pair of eyeglasses
Extra house, car keys
Tools: Shut-off wrench, pliers
Needles, thread
Whistle
Signal flare
Games,books for entertainment
Petcare: leashes, pet carriers, food
Sunscreen and sunglasses

Food

Baby food, baby formula, powdered milk
Canned meats (Spam, chicken, ham)
Canned fish (tuna, sardines)
Canned meals: spaghetti, soup, stew, chili
Canned fruits and vegetables
Cereal, crackers and cookies
Instant coffee, tea bags, sodas, juice
Granola bars, nuts, trail mix
Peanut butter and jelly
Sugar, salt, pepper

Sources: American Red Cross; FEMA; N.C. Emergency Management