BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) — Brunswick County will likely see sustained 40 to 50 mph wind with gusts to 60 mph at the coast. Look for substantial coastal erosion due to Hurricane Irene. There will also be high surf and rip currents. Four to eight inches of rain (higher amounts near the coast) may be possible this afternoon through Saturday. Minor storm surge could be possible. Scattered power outages are possible, according to Meteorologist Robb Ellis.

The need for shelters in our area is not expected. To see the list of shelters, click here. West Brunswick High School will accept dogs and cats in a limited number (no exotic animals). People must stay at their shelter with their pets, though pets will be in a separate area.

Timing of the storm

• Friday afternoon — The North Carolina coast will be under hurricane warnings until the system has passed. Some weaker outer rain bands will bring scattered showers through much of the day. These rain bands may contain gusty winds, a few gusts near tropical storm force are possible.
• Friday evening— Outer rain bands will begin to move onshore by early evening. These rain bands will contain tropical storm force gusts and coastal counties may see sustained tropical storm winds by midnight. Winds will continue to increase and heavy rain will accompany more rain bands. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out. The strongest winds will be along the beaches.
• Saturday morning — Hurricane Irene will pass off the Cape Fear coast and should make landfall along the Crystal coast or Outer Banks. Heavy rain can be expected along coastal counties, with gusty winds at times over hurricane force. Gusts may be even higher in Onslow County (80-90 mph). Inland counties will see heavy rain but not as much. Some flooding is possible near the coast, and winds could gust near hurricane force at Surf City or Topsail Beach. Far inland counties will see a lighter showers from rain bands that reach inland. Breezy conditions can be expected through much of Saturday.  Worst conditions in the Cape Fear location are expected from 4-8 AM.
• Saturday night — Rain and gusty winds will continue most of Saturday. These will begin to diminish throughout the evening as Irene pulls away from the North Carolina coast, however Irene is a large storm so it will be a slow process to get it completely out of here.

Threats from Hurricane Irene

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Officials in Brunswick County have issued voluntary evacuations for people living in low lying areas, areas prone to flooding, mobile homes and homes that are subject to damage.

Shelters will be opened at North Brunswick High School in Leland and West Brunswick High School at 5:00 Friday evening.  West Brunswick will be a pet friendly shelter, but it is recommended that those with pets should take them to the Brunswick Co. Animal Services in Supply.

Brunswick County Schools will dismiss early Friday, elementary schools will dismiss at 11:50 a.m., high schools at 12:50 p.m. and middle schools at 12:55 p.m.