Inclement Weather Updates - Hurricane Helene
As heavy rain and high winds from Hurricane Helene are expected to impact the Hickory area today, the City of Hickory will update this page as any delays, closings, or cancellations occur due to inclement weather. For the latest City of Hickory updates, continue to check this page as well as the City’s Facebook page, City of Hickory, NC – Government, and the City Twitter feed, @CityofHickory. As updates become available, the City will post the information and send out updates to the media.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
9/26/24, 10 a.m. Update: Catawba County Board of Commissioners Chair Randy Isenhower has declared a State of Emergency in Catawba County effective at 10 a.m. today due to Hurricane Helene, a powerful storm system expected to cause flooding, power outages, road closures and hazardous conditions in Catawba County. The declaration enables Catawba County Emergency Services to implement coordinated response and recovery efforts in all affected unincorporated areas of the county in alignment with the Catawba County Emergency Operations Plan and in collaboration with emergency response partners. Due to current and anticipated weather conditions, all four Catawba County Parks (Bakers Mountain Park, Mountain Creek Park, Riverbend Park and St. Stephens Park) are closed until further notice.
9/26/24, 10 a.m. Update: The City of Hickory declared an official state of emergency on Thursday, Sept. 26, effective 10 a.m., in response to Hurricane Helene, a powerful storm system expected to cause high winds, flooding, power outages, road closures, and hazardous conditions in Hickory. The emergency declaration activates the Hickory Emergency Operations Plan for all departments. The declaration also authorizes the City to apply for financial assistance, if needed, through state or federal agencies.
PARKS
9/26/24, 12:20 p.m. Update: Henry Fork River Park will close at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 due to potential flooding.
CANCELLATIONS
9/24/24, 10 a.m. Update: The Community Drum Circle scheduled for Sept. 26 has been cancelled due to weather concerns. We will reschedule for a future date.
POLICE ADVISORY
9/26/24, 12:45 p.m. Update: Due to the storms passing through Hickory, the city may experience down power lines, fallen trees and debris, and non-functioning traffic signals. We ask that anyone needing immediate assistance to call 911 for an emergency. Avoid traveling if you can, but if you must, please be on the lookout for any possible roadway hazards. If officers are on scene, directing traffic or dealing with storm damage, please follow their directions. If you come across a down power line, do not crossover it and call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551 to report it. Some roads may be flooded. Please be cautious and do not attempt to cross a flooded area. Barricades may be placed in some areas for flooding and storm damage. Do not proceed past these as they are posted for your safety. Prepare now for possible power outages. Replace batteries in flashlights, charge phones and battery packs and account for any essential items you may need. For more information on weather updates, visit www.weather.gov Also visit www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/emergency-services for information related to the Catawba County area.
Be safe. Keep the community, families, and all emergency responders in your prayers as they work during these storms.
CODERED ALERTS
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