Shelters open in Onslow

A state of emergency was issued by the governor of North Carolina Wednesday on the heels of tropical storm warnings issued for Onslow County and hurricane warnings for Carteret.

Onslow County can expect winds of 40-50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph and 8 to 15 foot swells and breakers on the beaches, Onslow County Emergency Services Deputy Director Norman Bryson said. Rainfall is expected to be 1-2 inches.

Three emergency shelters in Onslow County will open today at 4 p.m. They are at Dixon Middle School, located at 200 Dixon School Road in Holly Ridge; Swansboro High School, located at 161 Queens Creek Road; and Jacksonville Commons Middle School, located at 318 Commons Drive. Jacksonville Commons is the only location that will accommodate pets.

Those with questions about the storm can call the Citizens Phone Bank at 910-938-2059, which will open today at 7 a.m. and remain open until the storm has passed.

Onslow County Schools will operate regular classroom schedules today with all after school extra-curricular activities either postponed or canceled. Onslow County Schools will implement a two-hour delay for all schools on Friday. Parents should monitor jdnews.com; the school’s website, onslow.k12.nc.us; or the school’s inclement weather hotline, 910-989-2211, for updates.

No decisions have been made on curfews or alcohol sales limitations.

A control group meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. today at which time officials may take additional action.

The Onslow County Emergency Operations Center will be fully activated by noon today.