NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – Based on the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, New Hanover County is expecting the potential for severe storms this afternoon and evening that could bring strong winds, tornadoes, and hail. In preparation for this storm and to ensure the safety of county staff and residents, New Hanover County offices and attractions will close today, Thursday, March 18, at 4 p.m. This includes the COVID-19 call center and all vaccination sites.
Residents who have an appointment at a vaccination site today after 4 p.m. are being contacted by the call center with this information and to reschedule their appointment. If you have questions about your vaccine appointment, please call 910-798-6800.
New Hanover and Pender County Courts will also close at 4 p.m. today in advance of the storm.
Current models show storms moving into our area late this afternoon, with the intensity of impacts (including wind gusts of 60 mph, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes) around 7 to 8 p.m., and then the storm is expected to move out of our area sometime between 8 and 9 p.m. The confidence of severe weather is high, so it is important that residents stay vigilant, monitor weather updates and alerts, and have an emergency plan in place.
Here are a few important reminders:
Review the National Weather Services’ severe weather checklist here, and follow @NewHanoverCo on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates.