Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Wilmington, N.C. - Ophelia is now a strong tropical storm. However near-hurricane force winds are expected in the area by 5 a.m. Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds will remain in the area until Thursday morning.

One shelter, Dorothy B. Johnson Elementary School has 31 evacuees currently. The shelter at Eaton Elementary School will reopen at 10 a.m. this morning.

Shelters are on generator power. New Hanover County Schools will determine whether to reopen schools on Wednesday around mid-day today.

UNC Wilmington has cancelled all events and activities, including classes, and will close at noon today, Tuesday, Sept. 13, and remain closed through Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005.

The Salvation Army will have 2 mobile feeding kitchens in the county later today if needed.

Landfall is expected in the Morehead City area, but hurricane force winds will be felt throughout New Hanover County tomorrow afternoon.