State of emergency declared in Greene County

SNOW HILL - On Tuesday Greene County and the Town of Snow Hill declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Dorian continues its uncertain course.

Snow Hill made the declaration at 11 a.m. while the county declaration went into effect at noon.

"I've talked specifically to the National Weather Service regarding Greene County," said Berry Anderson, county director of emergency management services. "They're telling me the tropical-storm-force winds are coming in tomorrow at six in the evening. The wind should peak around Thursday midnight into early Friday morning."

North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) predicts rainfall amounts from six to as much as 10 inches in some inland areas. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned residents to not underestimate the damage this storm can cause.

Residents can expect flash flooding and should make preparations for possible power outages. Additional tree crews and linemen from Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) have been called to assist Pitt-Greene EMC to help handle damage from the storm. However, power restoration cannot begin until Dorian passes through.

Greene Central High School is the first option for an evacuation shelter.

"I know other counties around us are opening shelters, but they have more resources than I have," said Anderson. "DSS needs at least a six-hour window because they have to get several things in place. They man the shelters until the Red Cross comes in."

"You never know what the storm may bring or if it may spawn a tornado. Everyone needs to focus on the weather report, do their due diligence and stay off the roads."

ReadyNC.org encourages residents to devise an emergency plan, put together a hurricane kit and have access to the proper insurance documents in case their homes are damaged. Greene County has a Code Red alert, which sends out messages regarding dangerous weather in the area. Registration for the service is available through the county's EMS page.

The state activated North Carolina 2-1-1 today. Residents can text NC Dorian to 898211 to receive real-time responses on shelters, evacuation routes, road closures and more. The number will alleviate emergency-related calls to 911 and allow first responders to assist those in life-threatening situations.

All Greene County schools will close Thursday and Friday.

The Greene County Interfaith Volunteers Inc. Food Pantry will not open Thursday. Food distribution will resume Sept. 12.