News

Earl expected to bring wind, little rain to Wilson

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Wilson officials are monitoring Hurricane Earl’s progress, which the National Weather Service expects to be mainly a coastal event.

A hurricane watch is in effect for nearly all of North Carolina’s coast and the Outer Banks as Earl churns off the coast of Georgia Thursday morning. The hurricane is currently producing 130-mph winds and is expected to skirt the N.C. coast early Friday morning.

As of Thursday morning, the Weather Service expected the impact on Wilson and other inland counties to be minor. This area isn’t currently expected to receive significant rainfall from the storm.

Chief Don Oliver of Wilson Fire/Rescue Services said the latest forecasts do say the county could experience 30- to 35-mph wind gusts, which could lead to some downed branches and trees.

Scattered power outages would be possible. In case of an outage, Wilson Energy customers should call 399-2444.

As of Thursday morning, Wilson County has not been asked to open a shelter either for local residents or for coastal evacuees. Local and state officials will continue to monitor the situation.