Brunswick County was ground zero as a reinvigorated Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the Cape Fear region late Monday night, slamming into Ocean Isle Beach at 11:10 p.m. as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and higher gusts.
Although the fast-moving storm made a quick exit, it left thousands in Brunswick County without power, pushed ocean water completely over beach towns, and caused widespread damage, multiple structure fires and reports of possible tornadoes.
Oak Island received quite a bit of damage from the storm including a storm surge that overran roads, totaling numerous vehicles, tornadoes that did damage to several homes, and fires that broke out across the island.
Town officials have ordered a mandatory evacuation of all areas west of southeast 40th Street on Beach Drive, Dolphin Drive, and Pelican Drive and the side streets connecting to them. The order goes into effect at noon Wednesday and applies both to residents and non-residents. The town also announced that a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will go into effect Tuesday and remain in place until further notice.
Property owners, residents, rental agencies and contractors working on a property in the affected area will be allowed to travel to the property to review damage and begin repairs, according to an amended state of emergency measure for the town, which sustained significant damage along the beachfront.
