Area Under Flood Advisory and Watch
Caswell Beach, Oak Island and Southport are under a flood advisory and watch per the National Weather Service (NWS). The flood advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. EST and forecasted impacts include "minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas." The flood watch is currently set to expire as of 8 p.m. EST on Saturday, but please check the NWS site for updates in case the watch is extended. Per a statement from the NWS, " a nearly stationary front across the area will provide multiple rounds of heavy rainfall. Over the last 24 hours, one to two inches of rain have fallen, with locally higher amounts of three to four inches along the coast. An additional one to two inches is expected, with locally higher amounts of two to four inches possible."
The NWS further states that impacts could include excessive runoff that may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Guests are urged to use caution, especially at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF HEAVY RAIN
- Make Plans for Your Vehicle – As a precaution, guests are welcome to park vehicles in the front OIA parking lot on a first come first serve basis. Possible high-water spots include, but may not be limited to, areas along Ocean Drive, at the Southern Shore Villas Condo Community, areas along East and West Beach, Dolphin and Pelican Drive as well as along Caswell Beach Road. It's especially important to ensure electric vehicles, golf carts and LSVs are moved away from flood prone areas. If you plan to park a vehicle at the OIA office, located at 8901 Oak Island Drive, then please email the OIA office with your:
1) Name
2) Telephone Number
3) Color, Make and Model of Your Car
- Close and Lock All Windows and Doors – Ahead of any heavy rain, ensure all windows and doors to the vacation rental are secured. Don’t forget to look at the top of each window to make sure all sections of each window are fully closed.
- Leave Vacation Rental Appliances Plugged In – Do not unplug appliances that belong to the vacation rental.
- Charge All Mobile Phones/Electronic Devices – It’s always a great idea to have a full charge on all electronic devices ahead of a storm’s arrival.
DURING AND AFTER THE STORM
- Check Your Route Before Departing - Before you head out, check for North Carolina road closures here or view currently flooded areas here
- Avoid Driving or Walking Through Flood Waters - According to the NWS, “a mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.” Turn around, don’t drown. If the area experiences flooding, wait until flood waters have receded before venturing out.
- OIA Response Times Impacted if Flooding Occurs – The OIA office plans to operate according to our normal business hours this week. While localized flooding could impact response times to maintenance and housekeeping requests, guests are encouraged to call 888.297.8066 if you need assistance during your stay. After our regular office hours, call the same number and follow the prompts to reach the manager on call for any after-hours emergencies. Our staff will work to address any issues as quickly and safely as possible. Urgent work orders are addressed based on severity once OIA staff and vendors are able to safely access properties.
- Medical Emergencies During Storm – If you or a member of your group has a medical emergency, call 911.
- Swimming Pool Cleanings Delayed – Please note that the vendors who service our pools have relayed that pools that would normally receive cleanings today will receive cleanings on a delayed schedule once the weather has improved. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
