Onslow County Court Date

Closures, schedule changes for Onslow County due to Tropical Storm Idalia

Cancellations and closures have taken place all over Onslow County as Tropical Storm Idalia made landfall. 

Onslow County Schools 

Wednesday morning, a call and email were sent to Onslow County Schools staff and parents cancelling school for all students Thursday due to the potential for high winds and flooding rainfall. 

After-school and evening activities, including after-school care, will also be cancelled both Wednesday and Thursday. Unless notified by their supervisor, school will also be closed for staff Thursday. 

The district said they will continue monitoring weather conditions and notification will be made if further decisions are necessary. 

Onslow County Government

A press release was then sent out early Wednesday afternoon by Onslow County about closures due to the storm. 

The Onslow County Government Center, Consolidated Health & Human Services building, Senior Center, Congregate Nutrition Sites, Animal Services, Onslow County Museum, all public libraries, Board of Elections and the Register of Deeds will be closed on Thursday, according to the release. 

All Onslow County courts, and the Onslow County Courthouse will also be closed. 

The Albert J. Ellis Airport will remain open as long as it remains safe for aircraft operations. The release added flight disruptions are possible and travelers are advised to confirm their flight’s status online before traveling to the airport. 

Additionally, airlines are also waiving change fees and impacted travelers may make preemptive changes to their travel plans. 

The Onslow Solid Waste Landfill will operate normal business hours on Thursday and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Onslow County Emergency Services and Onslow County Animal Control will continue to provide services during the weather event, but office and lobby areas will be closed to the public, the release said. 

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office posted Wednesday afternoon that due to the imminent weather beginning Wednesday evening, the lobby will close beginning at 10 p.m. It will reopen Friday at 6 a.m. 

Emergency shelters are not expected to be opened at this time. 

City of Jacksonville 

The city of Jacksonville sent out a press release Wednesday evening regarding closures and schedule changes. 

Jacksonville Public Safety is opening the Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Communications Wednesday evening in preparation for Idalia. The release said city staff are ready to step into action as needed. 

City crews have already placed barricades in areas prone to flooding and motorists are urged to find alternate routes. 

City offices will not open until 10 a.m. Thursday and Jacksonville Emergency 911 will remain open at full capacity with the EOC remaining active throughout the storm beginning Wednesday evening.   

Jacksonville Transit will run bus routes as usual as weather allows, the release said, though this is subject to change if flooding prevents safe passage or sustained winds are at or above 45 mph. 

Jacksonville Sanitation will have Thursday pick-up as normal, and the city asks that residents bring in their trash can as early as possible after pick-up and secure it. 

The release added Jacksonville Recreation will offer a youth program on Thursday due to school closures in Onslow County. Thursday morning, the city said the program would be delayed until 10 a.m. and is open to currently enrolled students. Call 910-938-5312 for more information. 

Finally, all city athletic practices are cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday; adult programs and activities are cancelled, though the facility will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and all splash pads will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.   

Local updates will be shared as available on the city’s social media pages, JacksonvilleNC.gov, G10TV and through JacksonvilleNC.gov/Connect.

JCMC Health 

JCMC Health in Jacksonville and other Onslow County clinic locations will remain open Thursday but will be operating on a two-hour delay, opening at 10 a.m. The only location closing is in Wilmington. 

They are in the process of reaching out to those who have scheduled appointments for Thursday. 

Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River 

A press release was also sent out Wednesday morning by Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune stating that as of 9 a.m., Installation Operations have established Tropical Cyclone Condition 2 in preparation for the storm, which happens when a destructive weather system with sustained winds of 58 mph or greater is forecast to affect the area within 24 hours.

Only essential personnel are required to work aboard the base Thursday with facilities including the Child Development Centers, Fitness Centers and Marine Marts to be closed across Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. 

Additionally, schools on Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River will also be closed Thursday. The commissary on Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River will remain open for normal operations, as well as all mess halls. 

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, branch clinics and pharmacies will be closed for regular appointments and outpatient services on Thursday, though the trauma center, emergency department and labor and delivery will remain open for emergencies only. 

Shelters on Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River will not open, the release added.  

Town of Holly Ridge

The town of Holly Ridge offices will be closed Thursday, according to a Wednesday evening Facebook post, but essential staff will be available via phone at 910-329-7081 ext. 218 to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Town of North Topsail Beach 

The town of North Topsail Beach posted on Facebook Wednesday afternoon that based on the timing of the storm with predicted wind speeds, town hall administrative offices will be closed to the public Thursday. However, essential and emergency personnel will continue to work. 

The post added that North Topsail Beach is a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador and encourages everyone to get their information from trusted local sources. 

Town of Swansboro

The town of Swansboro posted on Facebook Wednesday afternoon that town hall, the recreation center, visitor’s center and all restroom facilities will be closed Thursday. 

Garbage and recycle collection will occur as scheduled, unless there is a closure of disposal facilities. If collection does not complete on Thursday, they will return on Friday.

The Daily News will update this story as further cancellations, closures and postponements occur. 

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at [email protected].