Carteret County Emergency Services

[7/25/24 7:28 PM]
A line of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms is slowly making its way towards the SE NC coast. Along this line we could see localized flooding as rain rates of near 2" per hour have been observed. As we approach and get past sunset, the line is expected to weaken and become more scattered in nature. Good news is the severe threat is expected to decrease over the next couple of hours.

We are aware of reports regarding a widespread Microsoft update causing disruptions globally. We want to assure our residents that Carteret County's critical infrastructure and emergency operations, including our 911 system, remain fully functional.

In case of an emergency, please continue to call 911. Our dedicated first responders are ready to assist you.

7/18/24 645 AM: There is a Severe Weather and Flash Flood risk today into tonight. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and evening. The strongest storms will have the potential to produce damaging wind gusts, large hail and torrential downpours resulting flash flooding. There is also a High Rip Current Risk south of Cape Hatteras.

7/12/24, 9PM - Showers & thunderstorms continue across Eastern NC overnight, with temperatures in the mid/upper 70s. Showers & thunderstorms likely again on Saturday. If headed to the beach, there is a High Risk of from Oregon Inlet south, with a strong longshore current due to southwest winds gusting 25+ mph.

The heavy and flash threat that continues today. Some locations have already seen 5-8 inches of rain with yesterday's precipitation.

Showers and thunderstorms will remain in the forecast through the weekend but the heaviest rain and greatest flash flood threat will be now through tonight. The severe threat associated with this event is non-zero, but our greatest concern is the flash flood potential, especially for urban and poor drainage areas.

7/11/24 @ 3:28 PM

The Flood Watch has been extended until 7/13 at 12 AM and has been expanded to include all areas except the Outer Banks from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet. Flash Flood warnings remain in effect for portions of Pitt, Martin, and Beaufort Counties.

7/10/24 @ 7:30 PM - Unsettled weather begins tonight and will persist into the weekend. Areas suffering from severe drought need the rain, but urban and poor drainage areas might experience some flooding issues from frequent torrential downpours. Some thunderstorms will be embedded in these showers over the next few days, but the severe threat is low.

7/6 @ 7 AM -
🥵Dangerous Heat for most of the area today. Stay safe if outdoors! Learn more about Heat Risk - https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/
🌊High Rip Current Risk - Oregon Inlet to Surf City
⚡️Isolated showers this morning, then scattered showers & storms this afternoon

🥵 Temps will feel like 105-110 degrees for most of the area. Stay safe in the heat if you’re outdoors!
🌊 HIGH rip current risk for the beaches today!
⚡️ A few showers and storms this afternoon, mainly west of Hwy 17

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Emergency Services encourages safe celebrations for Independence Day

Fireworks are a tradition, but they can also be dangerous, especially this year with dry conditions. Leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a public display.

North Carolina law restricts fireworks use. Residents can only use items that don’t explode, fly, or spin, such as sparklers and fountains.

For a safe celebration, Fire Marshal Eddie Lewis offers these tips:

- Never let children use fireworks unattended.
- Use fireworks outdoors, away from flammables.
- Be aware of wind and drought conditions.
- Have water ready to extinguish fires.
- Light one firework at a time and retreat quickly.
- Soak “dud” fireworks in water for 20 minutes before disposal.

For safety tips, visit Carteret County Emergency Services at https://www.carteretcountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=415

Have Your Say in Keeping Our Communities Safe!

Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties are working together to update the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan helps us identify and prepare for hazards like flooding, hurricanes, and extreme weather.

Take a few minutes to complete a short survey and share your experiences with these hazards. This information will help us develop strategies to minimize risks and keep our communities safe.

Complete the survey by August 30th: https://forms.office.com/e/00Uq2Aup2r

N.C. Forest Service officials are discouraging outdoor burning due to the ongoing dry weather. As hot and dry conditions persist across much of the state, fire danger will be moderate to high across the Piedmont and Coastal Plain until significant rainfall is received.

“Outdoor burning and at-home fireworks are discouraged until your area receives substantial, soaking rain,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler. “Fire danger is high. Fuels can ignite quickly, and unattended fires are likely to escape and spread in a hurry. We understand fireworks are a major part of Independence Day celebrations and festivities, and that’s why we’re encouraging folks to attend professional fireworks displays rather than conducting their own.”

Read news release: https://bit.ly/4cvCALE

With current conditions, outdoor fires and fireworks are not recommended. If a wildfire is caused by your backyard fire or fireworks, you may be subject to preventive law enforcement action. Before you burn, contact your county forest ranger for guidance. Find contact info for your NCFS county ranger: https://bit.ly/3lpoWR0.

You are the best defense against wildfire.

The Carteret County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants to fill vacancies on several citizen advisory boards and committees.

Most positions are open to county residents, while some require residency within specific districts or a municipality's Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).

Details and applications available online at the Carteret County website. Applications can also be submitted by email, hand-delivered, or mailed to the County Administration office.

Deadline to apply: July 2, 2024 for consideration by the Board on July 15, 2024.

For complete details and a full list of vacancies, visit https://www.carteretcountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=414

⚠High Risk For Rip Currents Today from Cape Lookout through Cape Hatteras.
MODERATE Risk at most of the rest of the beaches. ⚠

Becoming sunny, warm with temps in the 90s inland, 80s at the beaches. Sounds like a great beach day? If you plan to go to the beach, swim at a lifeguarded beach if possible and do not venture far into the water. Be especially mindful of the flags. Remember a rip current will pull you out, now under. If caught in a rip current, do not fight against it. Instead, float and swim to the left or right (parallel to the shore). Once out of the current, swim back to shore.

*** Update: Food Lion will remain closed the rest of the night. They plan to reopen at 6 a.m. with select items available for purchase (items such as produce will be limited).***

AB FOOD LION GAS LEAK: While working inside the store, a contractor accidentally cut a high-pressure refrigerant line, thus causing the gas to enter the store. Atlantic Beach Fire and Police were called to the scene. The store was evacuated for safety. They are currently waiting on a repair person who gave a 2-hour ETA. The store will remain closed until further notice.

05/27/24 - 3:39 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in effect until 11PM this evening for Carteret County.

[5/27/24 3:15 PM]
Brief break right now, but is expected to start up again through the evening. Risk of , damaging wind, and damaging hail.

[5/26/24 3:40 PM]
We know it's not what you want to hear, but we have a low probability, high impact day in store tomorrow (Monday). The threat for , damaging wind, and hail all exist. Have ways to receive warnings!! What will do you do to stay safe when severe weather is at your doorstep? Visit weather.gov/mhx/severeprep for severe weather tips.

The 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment is underway, and your input is vital. This survey helps us identify priority health issues and create plans for a healthier community.

Take the survey and make your voice heard! https://survey.sogolytics.com/survey1.aspx?k=RQsRXTPYYsSQsPsPsP&lang=0

Community health needs assessment survey now available CARTERET COUNTY, NC (April 30, 2024) – The Carteret County Health Department, Carteret Health Care, and Health ENC have partnered to launch the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey.