News
Snow’s Cut Bridge Opens Following Hurricane Florence
Snow’s Cut Bridge leading onto Pleasure Island reopened Monday morning at 12:00 noon for residents and business owners.
Vehicles began lining up at the bridge Monday morning. Police began checking for the required Carolina Beach Town Identification Cards and Kure Beach Vehicle Identification Decals. Both are required before being permitted to cross the bridge.
If you do not have one of those required cards or decals, you may obtain one at the Masonboro Commons Shopping Center at 6400 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. A temporary mobile office has been set up to issue re-entry passes to both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach residents, property and business owners.
Proof of identification and residency/ownership will be required to secure a re-entry pass (i.e. driver’s license, utility or tax bill with the island address and your name on the invoice, copy of lease, etc.)
Officials delayed opening the bridge until Monday morning due to rainfall overwhelming stormwater and sewer systems. Power has been restored to many areas of the Island while some isolated areas remain without power due to fallen trees and utility poles and lines that were damaged.
Dennis and Wanda Barbour, owners of Island Tackle and Hardware on N. Lake Park Blvd, reopened their store Monday morning. They have stocked bottled water, batteries and other supplies.
According to Carolina Beach Town Manager Michael Cramer explained Monday morning, “Our town will be under curfew from 8PM till 6AM. If you want to check property for a neighbor be certain to have an email or text message from them with their phone number. This is specifically so the police on patrol can check people looking over properties and prevent unauthorized curiosity. This is to protect the property of our citizens that are not able to return.”
He explained, “Supplies are limited and available gasoline will be in reserve for authorized emergency vehicles, so fill up when you can. Bring supplies for food and beverage. Our water is NOT potable and food supplies will be temporarily limited while roads to our island remain unpassable in some areas. Alcohol sales will be suspended till further notice. Please plan to bring the supplies you need. Damage Assessments of homes and businesses have not been completed. Entering a damaged structure may be unsafe. If you see structural damage, do not enter. Once we get back to normal, we will share the great work done by town staff and the support of local businesses for food and gasoline.”
Cramer explained, “Citizens of Carolina Beach, WELCOME HOME. Be sure to thank your Operations, Police and Fire Department staff when you see them. They have worked diligently to protect your property and get you back as soon as safely possible. For those who stayed – we should count ourselves lucky. This storm turned out to be much less than forecasted in terms of intensity and damage. For those who wisely made the SAFEST DECISION BASED ON THE BEST DATA – do not second guess your decision due to this luck. Forecasters will continue to improve, and in the end God, will make the storm what it is. I know you feel that your decision was wrong – but as your Emergency Manager, I would tell you that no matter what anyone said – YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. Stay safe as you travel home – and it was an honor to be on our EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM. They have worked tirelessly and are tired. Be polite to them and please follow their instructions as we get to the finish line – they are working to help you.”
The Town of Carolina Beach is asking all residents and business owners cleaning up their yards to dispose of storm debris by placing it at the curb, not in the road. Also, do not place debris on top of storm drains, utility lines or in ditches. Bundles should consist of limbs and shrubs no longer than four feet in length and no more than six inches in diameter. Only paper bags will be accepted. Do not place debris in plastic bags. Bundles and bags should be less than 50 lbs each. Residents can call Town Hall at 910-458-2999 for more information.
Map showing the location of the mobile unit in Masonboro Commons.
Map of the flood prone areas related to Hurricane Florence stormwater, tidal flooding, and constant rain. The Town is publishing this information for any residents or property owners that may be considering re-entering the island once the bridge is re-opened today at noon. While much of the island is accessible, some areas are still flooded or will flood when more rain comes and high tides peak. Town crews are placing barricades at flooded streets and citizens are advised to avoid standing water flooded roadways.
Intersection of Third Street and Fayetteville in Carolina Beach Monday morning. Flooding in areas surrounding Carolina Beach Lake continues to slowly drain. (Photo: Willard Killough III)
The Carolina Beach Lake at Clarendon Avenue Monday morning. (Photo: Willard Killough III)
Top of pine tree fell through a portion of this house on Monroe Avenue. (Photo: Willard Killough III)
Vehicles lining up Monday morning to cross Snow’s Cut Bridge which opened at 12 noon for residents, property owners and business owners. Rain began shortly after the re-entry process began, but ended a short time later. (Photo: Shawn Mckee)
Fallen tree on Raleigh Avenue. (Photo: Willard Killough III)
Tree that fell on a house in the Raleigh Avenue area. (Photo: Willard Killough III)
Overflowing sewer manhole cover at 6th Street and Harper Avenue. (Photo: Willard Killough III)
Sea Merchants grocery store on Cape Fear Blvd. (Photo: Willard Killough III)
Duke Hagestrom – owner of Wheel Fun Rentals on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk – working on his building Monday. (Photo: Shawn Mckee)
Debris on the sidewalk in front of the Crush & Grind on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk at Harper Avenue after the roof was blown off during Florence. The roof impacted the nearby Hampton Inn causing damage to the exterior of the hotel. (Photo: Shawn Mckee)
