Wilmington preps for chances of more debris with Michael

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As Hurricane Michael churns toward the Gulf of Mexico, there’s a possibility the storm could bring wind and rain to our area.

Piles of debris still fill many curbs and it will not all be picked up by the time we see impacts from Michael.

The City of Wilmington has contracted a company to pick up more than 1,000,000 cubic yards of storm debris. There are no restrictions on the amount of debris but, they are asking residents to separate vegetative items including trees and limbs from construction and demolition debris like mattresses and furniture. The city plans to be done with the first pass of the entire city by the end of the month but, Hurricane Michael could highly affect this plan.

Long time resident Del McGown says he’s been trying to organize his debris but it’s hard to keep it that way. But, he’s hopeful the city will get his debris soon.

“The city can do but so much and I realize that over the years …I’ve been here in all these other hurricanes and some took weeks and weeks,” said McGown.

McGown and his neighbors are concerned about the potential for strong winds and heavy rain in Wilmington but, the city says they are taking precautions.

“We are going to be out doing things like clearing storm drains around the city to make sure that helps to keep our roads from flooding,” said City of Wilmington PIO Malissa Talbert. “We certainly ask our citizens if they are cleaning up their yard to not put or blow debris into the storm drain, which is an easy way to get rid of stuff but is not helpful at all.”

New Hanover County is also asking residents to follow three steps to prepare: secure tarps on roofs, remove hanging limbs and clear storm drains.

Residents can also drop off vegetative debris at Ogden Park or Veteran’s Park. Construction debris to the landfill on Highway 421.