Reidsville Mayor Donald L. Gorham signed a Declaration of a State of Emergency that became effective at 2 p.m. today, September 30, 2022 prior to Hurricane Ian’s impending arrival.
Rockingham County and other local municipalities have enacted similar declarations, also effective at 2 p.m. today.
Officials are forecasting that after Ian, currently a Category 1 Hurricane, travels through South Carolina, it will diminish to a Tropical Storm. The storm is expected to continue on a north/northwest track through North Carolina, passing very close to Reidsville and Rockingham County. It is possible that there could be widespread power outages and flooding.
Ian is predicted to strike Rockingham County very hard around 8 p.m. tonight with the biggest brunt of the storm coming at 2 a.m. Saturday, October 1, according to forecasting models. The City’s emergency services personnel, including fire and police, are urging citizens to stay off the roads, especially by 8 p.m. tonight. The storm could be out of the area by 2 p.m. Saturday.
Reidsville Police may block the underpass area (railroad trestle) of Harrison Street, which often floods and creates a hazard for drivers.
In preparation of the storm, Reidsville Public Services workers and the Police Department have been checking for any clogged storm drains around the City. Police Chief Ray Gibson and Fire Chief David Bracken report that all generators and emergency lighting have been checked and are ready for use.
Reidsville Fire Chief Bracken has stated that, if an emergency situation warrants, citizens can come to the City’s three fire stations, which are open 24/7.
The Reidsville Police Department will have additional officers on standby as necessary. Public Works crews will be ready once the storm passes to work on downed trees and other debris. However, felled trees entwined with power lines must be taken care of by Duke Energy crews, who are able to assess the damages and dangers.