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Wrightsville Beach
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Drone helps WB prepare for hurricane season

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While Wrightsville Beach hasn’t been in the direct path of a major storm for years, it is still important for both residents and the town to plan for one, said town manager Tim Owens as the state observed Hurricane Preparedness Week May 15–21.

“Everyone who has property on the island or near the coast should have a contingency plan in place,” he said, “like making sure all your insurances are up to date.”

Meanwhile, engineers are obtaining data to determine how storms affect beachfront homeowners’ natural barricade against storm surge: the beach and the frontal dunes. May 16, the engineers used a drone to map the south end of the beach while a survey crew on the ground mapped the north end.

The Army Corps of Engineers teamed up with engineering and surveying firm McKim & Creed and geographic information systems company Esri to create the profile of the beach’s pre-hurricane season condition, which engineers can compare to a profile created after a storm to assess the damage. The beach is mapped every year, Owens said, but new technology like the drone has made the process more accurate.

Colorado State University predicted a near-average number of storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean during this hurricane season, which lasts from June 1–Nov. 30. The study predicted 12 named storms, five hurricanes with two of them major hurricanes.

In addition to preparing insurance policies, Wrightsville Beach’s website advises residents to obtain materials like plywood and nails for covering windows and plan how to secure a boat. Additionally, the website suggests making an evacuation plan and lists what items to bring, like bedding, clothing, emergency supplies, food, water and first aid.

The town will also have a hurricane plan in place. Owens said on June 1, town staff members would participate in training with other municipalities related to hurricane planning and response. After the countywide training, town staff will discuss the plan at a local level, addressing potential scenarios depending on tides, dates, wind speeds and expected damage.

For more information about hurricane preparation in Wrightsville Beach, visit www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/153/hurricane-preparation

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