WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Authorities are taking action after severe weather hit the Cape Fear on Monday, September 17.

Chief Judge Paul Newby said severe weather and flood warnings have created catastrophic conditions in southeastern North Carolina.

The order extends the statute of limitations for filing documents and other legal actions in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.

You can read the full arrangement below.

Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties on September 17.

“This emergency declaration will help counties affected by heavy rains and flooding recover from this storm,” Cooper said. “I urge North Carolinians across the state to remain cautious as many roads are still dangerous.”

The order activates the State Emergency Response Plan, allowing the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety to take action to protect the public.

“Brunswick County, along with the communities of Boiling Springs Lakes, Oak Island, Southport, Saint James, Sandy Creek, Bolivia, Bald Head Island and Varnamtown, have declared a local state of emergency. In Brunswick County, emergency shelters have been opened at South Brunswick Middle School and Bolivia Elementary School. In neighboring New Hanover County, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach have declared states of emergency, and yesterday the American Red Cross assisted homeless Carolina Beach residents at the Pleasure Island Recreation Center, who were then transported to a local hotel for the night,” Cooper’s announcement said.

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