Evacuation Status Of Bolivia, Nc: Is It Safe?

Bolivia, North Carolina, is a small town in Brunswick County with a population of 143 as of the 2020 census. In August 2024, the town was under a tornado watch and a tropical storm warning due to Tropical Storm Debby. Various beaches on the North Carolina coast were already flooding, and most island communities in Brunswick County issued a voluntary evacuation order. However, it is not explicitly mentioned whether Bolivia, NC, was under a mandatory evacuation order at that time. The decision to evacuate is made by local officials, who take into account the severity of the weather conditions and the potential risk to residents.

Bolivia, NC is in Brunswick County

The town of Bolivia, NC is located in Brunswick County. With a population of around 143 to 160 people, it is a small, close-knit community. The town was settled by European Americans in the 1890s and was incorporated in 1911. It is named after the country of Bolivia in South America, as many boxes being shipped from the area had "Bolivia" written on them, and the name stuck.

Bolivia, NC, is currently facing potential threats from Tropical Storm Debby, which has caused various beaches on the North Carolina coast to flood. Most island communities in Brunswick County, including Bolivia, have issued a voluntary evacuation order, with the risk of flooding increasing from Tuesday night onwards.

The town is the county seat of Brunswick County, and is bypassed by the current U.S. Route 17 (Ocean Highway). Old U.S. Route 17 (Old Ocean Highway) still passes through the centre of the town. Bolivia covers a total area of 0.62 square miles, all of which is land.

A public shelter has been set up at Town Creek Middle School in Winnabow to accommodate those affected by the storm.

Voluntary evacuation orders issued in Brunswick County

Voluntary evacuation orders have been issued in Brunswick County, North Carolina, as Tropical Storm Debby brings the risk of flooding and tornadoes to the area. The storm is expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain to the county, with isolated amounts of 20 inches possible, according to the National Weather Service.

The evacuation orders apply to most island communities in the county, including Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Caswell Beach. A public shelter has been set up at Town Creek Middle School in Winnabow, which is set to open on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

The threat of severe weather, such as tropical storms and hurricanes, can force local government officials to issue evacuation orders. These orders are not taken lightly, as officials understand the significant disruption they cause to the daily lives of citizens. However, evacuation orders are necessary to emphasize the potential danger of a situation and encourage residents to take action to minimize risks.

In the case of Brunswick County, the evacuation orders are a response to the anticipated impacts of Tropical Storm Debby. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in low-lying and tidal areas. High winds are also a concern, with sustained winds of 40 to 45 mph expected along the coast, potentially causing damage and power outages.

Residents of the affected areas in Brunswick County should follow the instructions provided by local authorities and evacuate to a safer location if possible. It is essential to stay informed through official channels and local media outlets for any updates or changes to the evacuation orders.

Evacuation shelters in Brunswick County

In the event of an emergency such as a hurricane, ice storm, or other critical incidents, Brunswick County residents can view shelter locations, evacuation routes, and other updates on the Brunswick County Government website. However, the link to this information is only active during an emergency event.

During an emergency, the American Red Cross may also be able to help. They provide disaster relief services and open shelters that offer a range of support, including:

• Meals, snacks, and water
• Health services for disaster-related conditions (e.g., first aid, refilling prescriptions, replacing eyeglasses)
• Emotional and mental health support
• Charging stations for cell phones and medical devices
• Emergency supplies for post-disaster cleanup
• Access to multi-agency disaster resources and caseworkers for disaster recovery planning and financial assistance

The Red Cross welcomes everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or citizenship status, and does not require identification to enter their shelters. They also accommodate people with disabilities, mental illnesses, and service animals.

As of August 6, 2024, a public shelter was set up at Town Creek Middle School in Winnabow, Brunswick County, due to Tropical Storm Debby.

Roads closed due to flooding in Brunswick County

As of 16 September 2024, several roads in Brunswick County, North Carolina, have been closed due to flooding. The closures are a result of heavy rainfall that has brought historic rain to certain areas, particularly Carolina Beach.

The following roads are closed in Brunswick County:

• U.S. 17 (Ocean Highway West) near Sellers Road in both directions
• A portion of N.C. 211
• A portion of U.S. 74 in Columbus County
• Bellamy Road in Longwood
• Danford Road near George II Highway

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has reported that all inbound roads to thru and non-essential traffic are closed due to road collapse. The following roads in Southport are closed in both directions until further notice:

• NC 211 at Duke Progress Canal between Walmart and Dosher Cutoff
• E. Moore Street near Turtlewood subdivision and Harbor Oaks
• 500 block of E. Moore Street (passable but with extreme caution advised)
• NC 211 at Executive Park Blvd (near St. James)

Other incidents in Southport include road closures at:

• W. 11th at Lord and Caswell
• Leonard St at Jabbertown Rd
• E. 11th at Brunswick Apartments
• Robert Ruark at Southport Way
• Fodale Ave at N. Howe, entrance to Dosher Memorial Hospital
• W. 12th from Howe to Caswell
• Cades Cove at 14th Street

The Town of Carolina Beach has advised the community to avoid driving until the flooding subsides.

In addition to the road closures in Brunswick County, the bridge leading to Oak Island has been closed, with the following closures reported as of 11:30 a.m.:

• E Oak Island Drive at SE 51st Street
• The northbound lane of Long Beach Road
• The 3400 block of NC 211 (near Pine Forest)
• The Elwell Ferry, closed until Monday, 19 September, due to high water

The heavy rainfall and flooding have also led to school delays and closures for Monday and Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Debby's impact on Bolivia, NC

Tropical Storm Debby has had a significant impact on Bolivia, a small town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. With a population of just 143 people, the town was placed under a tornado watch and a tropical storm warning as Debby approached. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the area, leading to flooding and road closures.

Most island communities in Brunswick County, including Bolivia, issued a voluntary evacuation order ahead of the storm. The National Weather Service predicted that Tropical Storm Debby could bring up to 20 inches of rain and storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet in tidal areas. This prompted residents to take precautions, such as removing batteries from lawnmowers and golf carts to prevent fires in the event of flooding.

The impact of Tropical Storm Debby was felt across Bolivia and the surrounding areas. Several roads in Brunswick County were flooded, including U.S. 74/76 at the on-ramp from U.S. 17, Bellamy Road in Longwood, and Danford Road near George II Highway. The flooding also affected nearby beaches, with Oak Island putting up double red flags to warn swimmers of the dangerous conditions.

Sustained winds of 40 to 45 mph, with higher gusts, were recorded along the coast at the Brunswick Islands, which include Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Caswell Beach. These strong winds caused damage to homes and businesses in the area, with reports of roofs being blown off and trees falling.

The impact of Tropical Storm Debby in Bolivia, NC, led to a public shelter being set up at Town Creek Middle School in nearby Winnabow to accommodate those affected by the storm. The storm's impact on the region highlights the vulnerability of small communities to severe weather events and the importance of preparedness and timely evacuation orders.

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