Tag Archive for: #vanceemergencyoperations

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Vivian Lassiter Fills Role Of Emergency Operations Director

Vivian Lassiter had been serving as interim director of the county’s emergency operations since the end of May, when long-time director Brian Short retired. At the time, Short said he felt Lassiter would do a great job until a replacement was found.

Well, they found one and, as it turns out, they didn’t have to look far.

Lassiter was selected in mid-September to be the permanent director for emergency operations.

Interim County Manager Scott Elliott said the county recruited for the position over the summer. “A wide field of applicants was vetted and interviews were conducted with the top three, utilizing a formal interview panel,” Elliott said in an email late Tuesday to WIZS News. “Based on…tenure, experience, emergency management training and associated certifications, she rose to the top for this important public safety related position,” Elliott continued.

Because she had been serving as interim, Elliott predicts that citizens should see a “seamless transition” as she takes the reins.

Back in May, Lassiter and Short were guests on TownTalk, during which time the incoming interim director said Short had prepared her for the role she was embarking upon.

“Brian’s worked with me one on one…I feel as ready as anyone else. I believe I’ll do fine (but) I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Lassiter said during that May 11, 2023 interview.

National Weather Service

Heavy Rain Expected Early This Week, No Threat of Winter Weather

-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations and the National Weather Service 

The National Weather Service is forecasting a very wet start to the week with upwards of 3 – 4 inches of rain expected in most locations through Tuesday. Urban and small stream flooding is possible. There is a chance for an isolated thunderstorm particularly in the east. Main stem rivers will need to be monitored for potential river flooding later this week.

A second system on Thursday appears to be all liquid at this point despite predicted temperatures very close to freezing in the Triad and VA border counties. Sunny and cool for the weekend. The potential tropical system in the Atlantic poses no threat to central NC at this time.

At this time there is NO threat for impactful winter weather in central NC this week. Triad and VA border counties will have temperatures near freezing for a couple of hours Thursday morning around sunrise. This may possibly be enough to get a pellet or two of sleet on the windshield mixed in with the rain but otherwise should remain all liquid. Even if temperatures do briefly touch 32 degrees, any ice accrual is unlikely because of warm antecedent conditions. Warm ground temperatures and air temperatures prior to the onset of the precipitation would prevent any freezing rain accrual. Temperatures will quickly rise through the 30s after sunrise, further mitigating any chance of winter weather.