Officials: Take hurricane threat seriously

Area officials are urging residents to take the threat of Hurricane Earl seriously.

Onslow County Public Information Officer Angela Cole said Thursday morning that the biggest concern is that residents are not taking care of yard debris and securing objects that could become airborne in tropical storm force winds.

The winds are estimated to be between 45 and 50 mph by 5 p.m. Thursday, with gusts up to 65 mph., through 4 a.m. Friday.

Those with questions about the storm are urged to call the Citizens Phone Bank at 910-938-2059. The phone bank will remain open until the storm has passed.