A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Scotland County region, according to the National Weather Service, as Cat 1 Hurricane Isiais approaches the Carolina coastline.
There is also a flash flood warning in effect through Tuesday afternoon.
The hurricane, which has made its way up the East Coast, is expected to make landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, sometime Monday evening.
County makes declaration
Scotland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Davis signed a declaration of a state of emergency in Scotland County effective at 11 a.m. on Monday
Tropical Storm Isaias, the once Cat1 hurricane, is predicted to strengthen again to a Category 1 hurricane and is predicted to impact Scotland County. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch as well as a tropical storm watch for Scotland County. Isaias is expected to bring 2-4 inches of rain as well as tropical storm-force wind gusts to Scotland County and the region.
The main impacts of the storm will be downed trees and power lines which will cause a loss of power. Other impacts could be localized flash flooding as well as poor drainage flooding.Scotland County Emergency Management has opened a shelter at Scotland High School in the old gym section. Entrance to the shelter will be from Pate Stadium.
Scotland County Emergency Management Director, Roylin Hammond stated, “The Shelter will be operated with COVID-19 restrictions, using occupant screening, social distancing, with no cots for sleeping, occupants will be provided bedding for sleeping on the floor. In addition, there will be containerized meals, as well as strict enforcement of restrictions, and occupancy will be limited to what the space will allow. We are encouraging people to shelter in place at home or with family or friends if at all possible. The shelter is a last resort.”
At this time, there are NO COUNTY WIDE CURFEWS in place. Each municipality (Laurinburg, Wagram, Gibson, and East Laurinburg) may have curfews in place but there are no county wide curfews. Residents of Scotland County are encouraged to remain vigilant during this storm and to check for updates on the Scotland County Facebook page as well as radio and television stations that serve the county.
City makes declaration
In preparation for the impact of Hurricane Isaias, Laurinburg Mayor Jim Willis declared a State of Emergency within the City of Laurinburg.
This declaration went into effect as of 6 p.m. on Sunday and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded.
There are currently no restrictions imposed by the declaration; however, if necessary, the declaration can be modified. All residents are strongly urged to be preparing for this weather event if they have not already begun preparations.
The following websites/Facebook pages provide information for emergency preparedness and for staying abreast of conditions in addition to local news outlets:
— Facebook page: NC Emergency Management; website: www.ncdps.gov/ncem
— Facebook page: American Red Cross-Eastern North Carolina; website:www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina/eastern-north-carolina.html
In the event of electrical outages after normal working hours and/or in the event City offices are closed due to the weather, City electric customers should call 277-3231 to report the outage. The 911 Center will contact Electric Department personnel who will respond when deemed safe. For other electric outages, please contact your electric provider. Also, water/sewer customers of the City should call 277-3231 in the event of water/sewer outages.
The City will update information as available on our website www.laurinburg.organd on our Facebook page “City of Laurinburg Government.”