BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Officials in Bald Head Island are estimating about $1 million worth of damage after Hurricane Irene.

Officials say about half of the beaches were destroyed due to erosion.

Several homes had minor damage and trees were torn down. Terminal groins were moved by the storm, so officials say they will have to be repaired and repositioned.

Many people are already preparing for the next storm we may get by filling up sandbags.

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BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) — Brunswick County will likely see sustained 40 to 50 mph wind with gusts to 60 mph at the coast. Look for substantial coastal erosion due to Hurricane Irene. There will also be high surf and rip currents. Four to eight inches of rain (higher amounts near the coast) may be possible this afternoon through Saturday. Minor storm surge could be possible. Scattered power outages are possible, according to Meteorologist Robb Ellis.

The need for shelters in our area is not expected. To see the list of shelters, click here. West Brunswick High School will accept dogs and cats in a limited number (no exotic animals). People must stay at their shelter with their pets, though pets will be in a separate area.

Timing of the storm

• Friday afternoon — The North Carolina coast will be under hurricane warnings until the system has passed. Some weaker outer rain bands will bring scattered showers through much of the day. These rain bands may contain gusty winds, a few gusts near tropical storm force are possible.
• Friday evening— Outer rain bands will begin to move onshore by early evening. These rain bands will contain tropical storm force gusts and coastal counties may see sustained tropical storm winds by midnight. Winds will continue to increase and heavy rain will accompany more rain bands. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out. The strongest winds will be along the beaches.
• Saturday morning — Hurricane Irene will pass off the Cape Fear coast and should make landfall along the Crystal coast or Outer Banks. Heavy rain can be expected along coastal counties, with gusty winds at times over hurricane force. Gusts may be even higher in Onslow County (80-90 mph). Inland counties will see heavy rain but not as much. Some flooding is possible near the coast, and winds could gust near hurricane force at Surf City or Topsail Beach. Far inland counties will see a lighter showers from rain bands that reach inland. Breezy conditions can be expected through much of Saturday.  Worst conditions in the Cape Fear location are expected from 4-8 AM.
• Saturday night — Rain and gusty winds will continue most of Saturday. These will begin to diminish throughout the evening as Irene pulls away from the North Carolina coast, however Irene is a large storm so it will be a slow process to get it completely out of here.

Threats from Hurricane Irene

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) — Oak Island and Caswell Beach will declare a state of emergency for 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Mandatory evacuations will start at 10 a.m. on Friday for tourists and non-residents. Voluntary evacuations begin at the same time for residents.

The Mayor of Oak Island, Betty Wallace, said that both bridges leading in Oak Island will close simultaneously when winds reach 40 mph or higher.