FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Government offices and the court system will be closed Friday, Sept. 30, in response to the increased risk of impacts to the county as Hurricane Ian passes through central North Carolina. This closing includes Animal Services, the Public Library System, the Ann Street Landfill, Wilkes Road yard debris site and all Solid Waste container sites.
Cumberland County will also open Smith Recreation Center located at 1520 Slater Avenue, Fayetteville, for the vulnerable population within Cumberland County who need shelter during the storm.
The shelter will open Friday at 7 a.m. through Saturday at noon. This is to ensure everyone can remain in a safe and secure location while remnants of the hurricane pass through the area.
“We have been in communication with our partners with the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County Schools and other key stakeholders in preparation for this severe weather event with the common goal of ensuring all of our residents can remain in a safe and secure location while Hurricane Ian passes through the area,” said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams. “We encourage all of our residents to make necessary preparations and stay safe.”
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health will not conduct any vaccination clinics on Friday. They will resume all vaccinations, to include back-to-school immunizations, on Monday, Oct. 3 starting at 8 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Watch today with up to six inches of rain could result in localized flash flooding of streams, creeks, urban areas, and any other low-lying areas that are prone to flash flooding.
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph could result in scattered power outages and some wind damage across central N.C., especially over the Sandhills and southern Piedmont. The combination of wet ground with these gusts could blow down weaken or leaning trees. Isolated subsequent power outages will be possible.
Residents are encouraged to avoid any unnecessary travel until the severe weather passes through Cumberland and the surrounding counties. Do not drive across any low-lying areas with water on the road. Remember, “Turn around, don’t drown!”
Stay informed about information and alerts by visiting the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov or County social media pages at facebook.com/CumberlandNC, facebook.com/CumberlandCountyNC911 and twitter.com/CumberlandNC.