State of Emergency: Smoke
By Phillip Williams
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Hello, I’m Storm Team 9 Chief Meteorologist Phillip Williams.
Washington County is under a State of Emergency this Tuesday Night because of dense smoke from a wildfire in Northwestern Hyde County. The smoke is drifting north and northeastward and is covering Eastern Washington County, much of Tyrrell County and Northwestern Hyde County. 39 homes in Washington County are being evacuated because of the dense smoke.
Live VIPIR 9 is detecting the smoke. The lowest level of Live VIPIR 9’s doppler radar beam is around 3900 feet over the fire. I have tracked several flare ups of smoke this evening. Areas from Phelps Lake to Creswell to Columbia appear to be the ones with the most smoke. Visibilities are reduced and driving can be hindered by the thick smoke. People sensitive to smoke or those with chronic breathing problems should leave the affected areas. Heading west toward Plymouth or Williamston is a good plan.
I expect the wind direction to remain from the south or southwest the majority of this week. The winds will pick up Wednesday afternoon before dropping off by Friday.
If you live in these affected areas and want to share your story, please do so here.
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