Fannie P. Greene, chairwoman of the Northampton County Board of Commissioners has issued a declaration of a State of Emergency within the territorial jurisdiction of Northampton County.

The declaration of a State of Emergency is in anticipation from potentially severe weather which may result from Hurricane Irene.

Impacts from Hurricane Irene are anticipated to noticeably impact Northampton County beginning near midnight tonight.

The declaration of a state of emergency places all Northampton County employees and resources on alert status and available for emergency response. County residents are encouraged to minimize travel and make other preparations to ensure their personal safety and that of their families.

The Northampton County Emergency Operations Center advises county residents to make immediate preparations for potentially severe weather resulting from Hurricane Irene.

As of 11 a.m. the National Weather Service predicts the hurricane will make landfall along the North Carolina coast near Cape Lookout and continue inland on a path which will track along the North Carolina coast.

Current predictions are that outer bands of rain and increasing winds resulting from Hurricane Irene will impact Northampton County beginning near midnight on Friday.

Officials anticipate the greatest impacts from Hurricane Irene will be experienced in Northampton County beginning early morning Saturday and continuing through Saturday.

Sustained winds ranging from 39-58 mph with gusts of 60 mph are anticipated, with rainfall of 4 to 7 inches expected. Rainfall may be locally heavier.

The Northampton County Emergency Operations Center advises residents living in low-lying areas subject to flooding and those living in mobile homes susceptible to wind damage to seek shelter in more substantial structures. Senior citizens, those with small children and those who have special care needs should consider relocating to a secure location.