Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

JACKSON – With Hurricane Isaias lurking on the horizon, preparations are already underway in Northampton County for its arrival.

The county will open an emergency shelter at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3 at the Cultural and Wellness Center in Jackson.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, county officials urged that sheltering should be considered a “last resort.” It will only be able to provide very basic provisions for a safe, dry environment and limited meal capabilities.

Residents wishing to evacuate with pets are urged to make alternate arrangements since this shelter is not designated as a pet co-location shelter.

To protect people from the possible spread of COVID-19, face coverings are required for anyone entering the shelter.

“Residents should plan now where they will go if/when a storm impacts our area,” stated the press release from Northampton County. “County emergency sheltering will be very limited and should only be considered as a last resort.”

The Cultural and Wellness Center is located at 9536 NC Hwy 305, Jackson.