****UPDATE: A Tornado Watch was issued for Orange County until 9 p.m. Thursday. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Orange County until 6:30 p.m. Thursday.****
Chapel Hill crews have been taking steps to prepare for the remnants of Hurricane Michael that are forecast to bring heavy winds and rain to central North Carolina Thursday.
Community safety spokesperson for the town Ran Northam said on Wednesday afternoon that the town was working through “normal operations” to prepare for the storm, “fueling up chainsaws, fueling up generators, making sure we have enough fuel for vehicles.”
Northam added the town would be monitoring flood-prone areas, including Booker and Bolin creeks. Many of those areas saw significant flooding damage from Hurricane Florence last month. Northam said the preparation for Florence had the town “ahead of the game” in terms of clearing debris that could slow drainage.
Some of the weaker trees also came down during Florence, Northam said. He added that town crews removed limbs from at least one tree on Boundary Street because “it looked dangerous.”
Northam said a concern for the town was that residents “might underestimate” the intensity of Michael as it passes through Orange County. During heavy winds and rain like Michael is expected to bring, “bad things can happen,” he said.
The town will establish some emergency operations on Thursday, according to Northam, but he said it would determine how far to elevate those efforts – to establishing a call center or shelters – once more is known on the severity of the storm and the community need.
Photo via Blake Hodge
Related Stories
‹
![]()
James Taylor Partners with Food Bank to Help Hurricane VictimsAn icon in Chapel Hill and North Carolina is joining the relief efforts for residents of the Tar Heel State directly impacted by recent hurricanes. James Taylor said in a video posted to his Facebook page that he was coming to viewers “with Carolina in my mind and with a simple request for you wherever […]
Thousands Without Power in Orange CountyMore than 20,000 Orange County customers are without power on Friday due to damage from the remnants of Hurricane Michael. Duke Energy is reporting more than 10,000 customers are without power in Orange County as of 12:45 p.m. Friday. Piedmont Electric is reporting nearly 12,000 Orange County customers without power. There have been numerous reports […]
![]()
On Air Today: Glenn Boothe of AndMoreAgainPresents Talks Concert PromotionGlenn Boothe of AndMoreAgainPresents joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, July 17. He discussed recent concerts he's attended, and looked ahead to some he's looking forward to. He also discussed a recent trip to Minneapolis for a conference of independent concert promoters and venue owners, and more.
Patrick Greene Named as Next Principal of Chapel Hill High SchoolThe CHCCS Board of Education has confirmed the appointment of Patrick Greene as the next principal of Chapel Hill High School.
![]()
The Morning News: Orange County's Wolf Dogs, Five Years LaterIn today's news: we revisit the wolf dogs who captivated our community when they went loose in Cedar Grove five years ago.
![]()
Chapel Hill: The Land Use Management Ordinance Rewrite Draft Goes LiveChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, July 16. She discussed the release of the town's long-awaited rewrite of the town's Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). She outlined the key tenants of the current document, and also recounted the history of the document and the reason for the rewrite. She previewed some community outreach on the document and talked about the timeline going forward. She also previewed some upcoming events and more.
![]()
On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry TaylorThe Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, July 13. He discussed an eventful weekend that involved rescuing a stray cat. He also talked about the latest on Chapelboro social media platforms, including a recent increase of attention on Instagram, and more.
![]()
Chapel Hill: Chantal Anniversary, State Budget, Summer ScheduleChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, July 9, discussing town news and events. She talked about the after effects of Tropical Depression Chantal. She also talked about the passage of the state budget, which could includes potential Chantal Relief funds, and more. She also talked about the summer schedule for the town council, which includes some community outreach on LUMO, an more.
Combination Jimmy John's, Baskin-Robbins Store Coming to West Franklin StreetA combination Jimmy John’s and Baskin-Robbins store will soon open on West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. The store is located at 143 West Franklin Street, Suite 90, in the same building which houses Target. The suite was most recently occupied by pūrvelo cycle. Currently, neither Jimmy John’s nor Baskin-Robbins have any open stores […]
Celebration of Independence Day to Alter Local Government Services in Orange CountyThe celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what typical services will and won’t be happening during the weekend: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, as […]
›
