February 2021 – Weather Preppers

Volunteers help clean homes damaged by winter storm

Posted on February 27, 2021February 28, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

“We don’t have the supplies. We don’t have the people or the supplies to fix it,” homeowner Melissa Thomas said. HOUSTON — It’s been more than a week since the power turned back on, but many families are still dealing with the aftermath of the winter storm. Luckily, volunteers were out Saturday to helping to clean out many of these homes. For Melissa Thomas, it’s been only four years since her home flooded during Harvey….

Biden heads to Texas to see storm damage, visit food bank

Posted on February 26, 2021February 26, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden headed to Texas Friday on his first trip to a major disaster site since he took office a little over a month ago. The president’s empathy will be on full display as he and his wife, Jill, survey damage caused by severe winter weather and encourage people to get their coronavirus shots. The brutal winter weather across the South over Valentine’s Day weekend battered multiple states, with Texas bearing…

President Joe Biden visits Texas to survey winter storm damage, COVID-19 vaccination site

Posted on February 26, 2021February 26, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

HOUSTON, Texas — President Joe Biden will have a chance to exercise his empathy skills during a visit to Houston today with a dual mission. He’ll be surveying damage caused by severe winter weather and encouraging people to get their coronavirus shots. RELATED: Joe Biden declares major disaster in Texas as federal aid flows Biden and his wife, Jill, are traveling for the president’s first trip to a major disaster site since he took office…

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD expects millions in damage as winter storm floods schools

Posted on February 26, 2021February 26, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Gov. Cooper signs State of Emergency following Brunswick County tornado

Posted on February 25, 2021February 25, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Governor Roy Cooper has signed a State of Emergency following the tornado that struck near Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County on Feb. 15. “The tornado caused significant damage, even demolishing some homes. I heard harrowing stories from survivors who were glad to be alive. The state will marshal all available resources to help people recover,” Gov. Cooper wrote in a release. – Advertisement – While…

Hurricanes blanked by the Lightning on the road

Posted on February 25, 2021February 25, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Ross Colton scored in his NHL debut and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 25 saves in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 3-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night. Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow also scored, and Alex Killorn had two assists in the third of four straight games between the teams. Vasilevskiy had his 22nd career shutout and first since March 2020 against Montreal. Alex Nedeljkovic made 25…

VA gives timeline for Raleigh National Cemetery flooding repairs after dozens of veteran graves left underwater

Posted on February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The southeast corner of the Raleigh National Cemetery is slowly drying out, though there are signs where water once stood. Several graves, including ones belonging to World War 1 and World War II soldiers, have muddy water marks. A week ago, the flooding was extensive in a section of the cemetery and ABC11 found more than four dozen graves peeking out from the water. More than four dozen veterans’ graves at…

Did The Winter Storm Damage Your Home Or Business? Here Are Some Ways To Get Help.

Posted on February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

The severe weather last week left many Texans with damages to their homes and businesses. And now many are struggling to get food. Here are some ways to get help. Property Damages President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for counties in Texas, including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell, opening up federal assistance to residents. The aid includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other…

Texas plants released nearly as much pollution during winter storm as during Hurricane Laura

Posted on February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

click to enlarge Michael Stravato / The Texas Tribune Refinery complexes along the Houston Ship Channel in 2016. The bulk of the emissions released during the winter storm and power crisis in Texas last week were from the Houston region, according to an analysis by Texas environmental groups. Oil refineries, chemical manufacturers and petrochemical plants across Texas — mostly in the upper Gulf Coast — warned state regulators that they may have released millions of…

Texas plants released nearly as much pollution during winter storm as during Hurricane Laura

Posted on February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Oil refineries, chemical manufacturers, and petrochemical plants across Texas — mostly in the upper Gulf Coast — warned state regulators that they may have released millions of pounds of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the air due to last week’s winter storm. The arctic freeze in Texas claimed the lives of dozens of Texans, and more than 4.5 million customers were without power for days last week due to blackouts implemented by the state’s grid…

One week since deadly tornado struck Brunswick County, community continues to rebuild

Posted on February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — It’s been a week since a twister ripped through Brunswick County, and recovery efforts are still ongoing. Neighbors in the community are sharing their stories from the night an EF-3 tornado ripped through their neighborhood, killing three people and injuring ten. “One minute after I woke up, it all happened”, says 11-year-old Julissa Lujano. Her family’s home was damaged by the tornado. “My mom and dad were like yelling ‘everyone go…

Kyle residents at Vista at Plum Creek apartments deal with broken water pipe aftermath and flooding

Posted on February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

The City of Kyle lifted its boil water notice on Monday, but Vista at Plum Creek residents still have to boil theirs. KYLE, Texas — Although many in Central Texas have clean water back in their homes, some people in Kyle are still dealing with leaks because of broken water pipes, like the folks at Vista at Plum Creek. The residents told KVUE they got emails about multiple pipe bursts at the apartment complex after…

Chick-fil-A in Leland to donate portion of sales Wednesday to tornado victims

Posted on February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Chick-fil-A (Photo: Mike Mozart / CC BY 2.0) LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Chick-fil-A in Leland will be hosting a fundraiser Wednesday evening for those impacted by last week’s deadly tornado. The location at Leland Town Center, located 3571 Leland Town Center Drive, will be donating 20% of their sales between 5-8 p.m. to help with recovery efforts. – Advertisement – The Facebook event page states the money will be used…

How to find a legitimate contractor to repair storm damage

Posted on February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Some people posing as contractors are looking to take your money and leave you without repairs. SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The snow and ice created complications including plumbing problems, roof damage and electrical issues for many of us. The wait time for a repair person can be lengthy, but maybe worth that wait. “Scam attempts will be made whether in person, door to door, over the phone or email. They’ll be posing many times…

Recovery continues one week after deadly tornado

Posted on February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Monday night marks one week since a deadly tornado ripped through Brunswick County, and recovery efforts continue. James Jarvis, executive director of the Cape Fear Area American Red Cross says the organization is maintaining a presence in Brunswick County, continuing to focus on tornado victims. – Advertisement – “We dispatched our disaster mental health teams into the field over the weekend,” Jarvis said. “We met with 15 families in the…

Comal ISD temporarily relocates students to repair winter storm damage, supplies bottled water

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

SAN ANTONIO — Comal ISD announced Monday that they’d be making some changes as the district continues to recover from winter storm damage. The release said that Specht Elementary suffered heavy water damage, and students there will temporarily be relocated to four other schools while repairs are made over the course of the next few weeks. There was damage at schools across the district, but officials said maintenance crews have made sure the buildings are…

City of Houston urges residents to report winter storm damage

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

The damage reports will help the city assess the needs and also provide records needed for federal aid. Submitting this form is not a way to receive aid. HOUSTON — As Houston leaders begin focusing on recovery efforts from the winter storm, they need to assess how widespread the damage is. They are urging City of Houston residents to report residential damage caused by the severe weather. Houstonians can submit damages via the following “Personal Property…

Winter storm damage at 95-year-old WWII veteran's home repaired for free after social media plea

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

HOUSTON — Social media went to work last week to make sure a 95-year-old WWII veterans’ home was repaired after pipes burst in two rooms. Hector Giron put out a plea on Facebook writing: “Mr. Joe Rodriguez (a 95 yr old Army veteran) who resides in the Spring Branch area of Houston needs your help. He came home today from being at his daughters house to find his bedroom ceiling caved in and water running…

Winter storm damage at 95-year-old WWII veteran's home repaired for free after social media post

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

How to report winter storm damages, apply for aid in Texas

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

The survey is available in both English and Spanish. It applies to all businesses and residences across the state who suffered damage. The survey will request some of the following information: The survey will also allow individuals to submit photos. Reporting damages to the office of emergency management is completely voluntary and is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency. It also does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Wilmington reimbursed nearly $634,000 in Hurricane Florence repairs

Posted on February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Wilmington started its construction and demolition debris pick-up from Hurricane Florence on Oct. 8, 2018. (Photo: WWAY) WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington has been reimbursed $633,433.37 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for work related to Hurricane Florence. One payment is for debris removal in the amount of $400,428.39 and the other is for emergency protective measures in the amount of $233,004.98. – Advertisement – Estimated damages from…

New U.S. Coast Guard building in Port Aransas comes years after Hurricane Harvey

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Texas Was 'Not Prepared' To Care For Medically Vulnerable People During The Severe Weather, Lawmaker Says

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

When Cornell Woolridge finally ventured out of his Northwest Austin home to get water and food following the extreme weather last week, he noticed police vehicles outside an elderly neighbor’s house. “It left me with a lump with my throat,” he said. A younger man was crying outside the house. It was his neighbor’s son, who had just learned his father had passed away inside. “I asked, ‘Did he have power? Was it was related…

Thousands evacuated amid floods in Indonesia's West Java

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

BEKASI, Indonesia — Thousands of residents are being evacuated on the outskirts of Indonesia’s capital amid flooding after the Citarum River embankment broke, officials said Monday. Bekasi district in Indonesia’s West Java province have experienced flooding since Saturday because of heavy rain. “Some embankments are broken, not only from the river embankment but also from the irrigation embankments,” Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said Monday. Rescuers from the National Search and Rescue Agency…

How to get a plumber to your house to fix winter storm damage

Posted on February 22, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Many plumbing companies have been overwhelmed with calls and are booked through the first week of March, which means people could be without water for another week. HOUSTON — For many in the Houston area, boil water notices have been lifted. RELATED: LIST: Here’s where boil water notices are still in effect across the Houston area However, a lot of people are still without water as they wait for plumbers to fix burst pipes. RELATED:…

Still a lot of flooding on roads, says Pender County Emergency Management

Posted on February 21, 2021February 22, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Pender County (Photo: Pender County) PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY) — Pender County Emergency Management urges motorists to stay alert to flooded roadways. “We will continue to monitor roads within Pender County to keep our citizens informed,” Carson Smith, Interim Emergency Manager, said. “We urge motorists if they see swift-moving water on the roadways to turn around, don’t drown.” – Advertisement – Smith said, based upon the weather forecast, some areas in Pender County will experience…

BCSO urges donations to alternative groups to support tornado recovery

Posted on February 20, 2021February 20, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Instead, the two organizations say that those wishing to help out should consider donating to three other organizations. However, they stress, “Make sure you contact these groups first to ensure they can accommodate the type of donation.” The three organizations listed are:

Pender County Emergency Management lists roads currently affected by flooding

Posted on February 20, 2021February 20, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Chilly, sunny weekend but flooding concerns remain into the weekend

Posted on February 20, 2021February 20, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Despite sunshine finally returning to the forecast, the WRAL Severe Weather Center will be closely monitoring river levels over the weekend. A cluster of flood watches and winter weather advisories expired Friday morning for counties north of Durham, but some counties southeast of Raleigh, including Johnston and Cumberland, remain under a flood warning due to rising river levels. The Lumber River at Lumberton and the Tar River at Greenville are…

Volunteers help tornado victims recover

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Volunteers serve meals to tornado victims (photo: Peyton Furtado) BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — In the Ocean Ridge Plantation Community, volunteers gave out free food to neighbors and men and women working to clear debris. After the storm damaged more than 60 of the 800 houses there, neighbors united to help those in need. They served 300-400 people just for lunch, providing a light dinner as well. – Advertisement – Susan Kemmer…

Ocean Ridge group searches for quilts scattered by tornado from victim’s home

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Quilt (Photo: WWAY) BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Following a deadly tornado in Brunswick County earlier this week, communities are joining together to return what’s lost. A quilting club in the Ocean Ridge plantation is asking for help finding quilts that were in a home destroyed by the twister. – Advertisement – The club stitched multiple quilts with love with hopes to soon donate them to a charity and help provide comfort and warmth to…

Married couple, substitute teacher named as victims in violent Brunswick County tornado

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Phyllis and Rich O’Connor and Barry Glick (Photo: Beth Kelsey / BCS) BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — We are learning more about the victims who died during the EF-3 tornado that hit Brunswick County late Monday night. Neighbors and family members are remembering Phyllis and Rich O’Connor who lived in the Ocean Ridge Plantation in Ocean Isle Beach. The married couple was killed in the tornado. – Advertisement – Phyllis’ niece says they will never…

Two weeks after move, family's home, possessions a total loss in Brunswick County tornado

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. — Robert and Debra DeNitto, along with their 23-year-old son, Zachary, moved in to their new home Feb. 3. It was a $350,000 retirement dream come true: three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, 1,874-square-feet backing up to the golf course. Less than two weeks later, a tornado ripped through their neighborhood at night, destroying their home and burying them under debris. “It was a very scary, scary time,” Debra DeNitto said by phone…

Flooding concerns remain into weekend, multiple rivers rise to major, moderate flood stages

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

By WRAL Severe Weather Center A cold, persistent rain that has been falling across central North Carolina for several days finally tapered off Friday afternoon, but the WRAL Severe Weather Center will closely monitor river levels over the weekend. A cluster of flood watches and winter weather advisories expired Friday morning for counties north of Durham, but some counties southeast of Raleigh, including Johnston and Cumberland, remain under a flood warning due to rising river…

Winter storm damage may rival Hurricane Harvey's price tag, experts say

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Ocean Isle Beach restaurant collects donations for tornado victims

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Early Tuesday morning USAR Task Force 11 assisted Brunswick County with search for victims following tornadoes that touched down over night (Photo: Matt Davis/New Hanover Co. Fire Rescue) OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A restaurant in Ocean Isle Beach is inviting you to donate to help tornado victims in Ocean Ridge Plantation. Pelican’s Perch Bar and Grill is accepting gift certificates and gift cards for local business like grocery stores…

NC weather: Morning ice and rain again activate alerts for winter storm warning, flash flood watch

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Friday morning is looking much like Thursday morning with rain and freezing rain falling across all of central North Carolina. Temperatures are right around freezing again this morning and the area is sill under a few different weather advisories. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 7 a.m. for Granville, Person, Vance and Warren counties. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. for Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Franklin,…

NC weather: Morning ice and rain again activate alerts for winter storm warning, flash flood watch

Posted on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Red Cross offers mental health assistance for tornado victims

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp The Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering assistance to those impacted by the Brunswick County tornado (Photo: Sydney Bouchelle/WWAY) BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) —The Red Cross is offering mental health services for victims of the tornado. Red Cross Disaster Mental Health workers have been reaching out to victims, speaking with them about their experiences after encountering the tornado. – Advertisement – Victims will be able to seek…

Brunswick County Schools to operate on 2-hour delay Friday due to flooding

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp (Photo: Brunswick County Schools) BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Due to the threat of dangerous road conditions and potential flooding, Brunswick County Schools will be operating on a 2-hour delay on Friday. All staff and students, both in-person and remote, will operate on the 2-hour delay. – Advertisement – “This will give more time to access the conditions of travel for all parties in daylight conditions and ensure the safety of…

Remote-only learning on Friday for Bladen County Schools over flooding concerns

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Flooding (Photo: Pixabay) BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Bladen County Schools says students and teachers will have remote-learning only on Friday due to the continued threat of flooding. All other Bladen County schools’ staff and employees will have the option to telework from home. – Advertisement – “Students will need to complete their attendance and classwork assignments from home; attendance will be checked and grades will be assigned, even with remote-only…

Sheriff’s office hands out donated supplies to Brunswick County tornado victims

Posted on February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Lowe’s Home Improvement donates supplies to Brunswick County tornado victims on Feb. 18, 2021. (Photo: Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office) BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Lowe’s Home Improvement has made a big donation to help those in Brunswick County impacted by this week’s deadly tornado. They donated a “tremendous amount of supplies for the tornado victims in our county,” according to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Lowe’s Home Improvement donates supplies to…

Severe weather causes delay in COVID-19 vaccine shipments

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Bladen County Hospital on Dec. 16, 2020. (Photo: WWAY) RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been notified by the federal government of continued delays in some shipments and deliveries of COVID-19 vaccine this week due to severe weather. Both first and second dose shipments have been impacted. – Advertisement – The department is working with the Centers for Disease…

NC weather: Freezing rain falling north of I-85, flooding possible south

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Central North Carolina is dealing with Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories and Flash Flood Warnings today through Friday. Rain moved into the area overnight, as temperatures across the area teetered around 32 degrees. As usual, areas farther north are more likely to see ice accumulation. WATCH LIVE: ABC11 First Alert Radar The Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for counties along Interstate 85 and north. This advisory lasts until Friday…

NC weather: Freezing rain, flooding could cause power outages today

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Ice storm could mean power outages from Triangle northward, flash flooding

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Areas from the Triangle northward could see dangerous ice accumulation beginning early Thursday morning, according to the WRAL weather team. A winter storm warning went into effect at midnight for Durham, Orange, Person, Granville, Vance, Warren, Forsyth, Guilford and Alamance counties and extends until 7 a.m. on Friday. See all weather alerts. WRAL meteorologists say that a “major ice storm is likely” in Person, Granville, Vance and Mecklenburg (Va.) Counties….

Damaging ice, flash floods, power outages and more all possible as a winter weather system arrives

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Areas from the Triangle northward could see dangerous ice accumulation overnight and all day Thursday, according to the WRAL weather team. A winter storm warning goes into effect at midnight for Durham, Orange, Person, Granville, Vance, Warren, Forsyth, Guilford and Alamance counties and extends until 7 a.m. on Friday. Fourteen counties in the WRAL viewing area are under a winter storm warning or advisory. Meteorologist Kat Campbell says that a…

Storm victims lean on faith as they begin recovering from violent tornado

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

Homes damaged by tornado on Feb. 16, 2021. (Photo: Sydney Bouchelle/WWAY) BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An EF-3 tornado tore through southern Brunswick County late Monday night, killing three and injuring 10 people. Brunswick County Emergency Management says it’s going to be a long process to recover from this devastating storm. WWAY’s Sydney Bouchelle spoke with some who are going through that process and how they are leaning on their faith to get them through…

“I thought this was it, we’re dying”: Ocean Ridge Plantation residents describe tornado experience

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Following Gov. Roy Cooper’s visit to the devastated Ocean Ridge Plantation neighborhood, some residents are sharing what they experienced during the tornado Monday night. Residents Bruce and Dee Stolba surveyed the community-wide damage for the first time on Wednesday, still shaken up by the ordeal. – Advertisement – “I really don’t want to see too much damage because it’s just too depressing,” Dee Stolba said. The two were in…

Austin enters boil water notice for the first time since historic 2018 floods

Posted on February 18, 2021February 18, 2021 by WeatherPreppers

The 2018 boil water notice lasted six days. However, this time, much of the area is also experiencing a power outage. AUSTIN, Texas — On Wednesday night, Austin joined a growing list of Central Texas cities that are now under a boil water notice amid statewide power outages. The city-wide notice was issued due to power loss at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Austin Water’s largest water treatment facility, and water pressure dropping below minimum…

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