Lenoir, NC – September 26, 2024 – In light of the severe weather conditions brought about by Hurricane Helene, the City of Lenoir has announced the postponement of two important city meetings originally scheduled for today. Additionally, the Sanitation Division will not be conducting garbage collection tomorrow.

Postponed City Meetings

The Lenoir Tourism Development Authority (LTDA) meeting, which was set to take place at 4:00 PM today, has been postponed until a later date. Residents seeking further details about the LTDA can refer to the official city communications.

Similarly, the Board of Adjustment (BOA) meeting planned for 5:30 PM today will also be rescheduled. Updates regarding the new dates for these meetings will be available on the City of Lenoir’s calendar, ensuring that residents stay informed.

Garbage Collection Update

Due to the anticipated severe weather, the Sanitation Division of Lenoir will not collect garbage on Friday, September 27. Instead, the collection for Friday’s garbage route is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 28, provided that conditions allow for safe operations. Furthermore, bulk pickups have been postponed until next week.

Residents can find more information regarding garbage collection routes and schedules on the city’s official site.

Preparedness for Severe Weather

In response to the impending storm, the State of North Carolina, Caldwell County, and the City of Lenoir have declared a State of Emergency. Local officials are urging citizens to stay vigilant and monitor local weather channels for updates on Hurricane Helene’s trajectory and impact.

Residents are encouraged to follow the Caldwell County and Caldwell County Emergency Services on social media for real-time updates and preparedness tips. Essential recommendations from emergency services include:

• Ensure you have sufficient food, water, and medications to last at least three days.
• Keep batteries, blankets, flashlights, a first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery-operated radio readily accessible.
• Be cautious of floodwaters; roads may be severely damaged beneath the surface. Avoid driving around road barriers or through flooded areas, as this is both illegal and dangerous.
• Remember that as little as six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, while twelve inches can carry away most vehicles, and two feet can sweep away SUVs and trucks.

Emergency services also remind residents not to call 911 for power outages. Instead, they should contact their power provider directly. For Duke Energy, the number is 1-800-POWERON (769-3766), and for Blue Ridge Energy, residents should refer to their official contact channels.

As the community prepares for the impact of Hurricane Helene, officials are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.