Wayne County Board of Commissioners chair Barbara Aycock issued a proclamation on Wednesday afternoon declaring a State of Emergency for Wayne County as tropical storm Idalia began to bring rain to the area.

The proclamation read in part, “WHEREAS, as a result of the above-described emergency, I have determined that there is an imminent threat of, or existing conditions have caused or will cause, widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property, and public safety authorities will be unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives or property; and WHEREAS, declaring a State of Emergency and imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to secure property; and WHEREAS, it is essential that Wayne County employees and employees of the Wayne County Sheriff, whether exempt or nonexempt, work extended hours to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare to secure private and public property.”

The county also announced that its offices would operate on a two-hour delay on Thursday. The Wayne County Courthouse will open at 10 a.m. and the Court System will open at 11 a.m.