An Evening with Hurricane Earl

Well, we are buttoned up and ready to see what Earl has to offer tonight. Reporting from Nags Head, westside just north of Jockey's Ridge State Park.

Sept 3, 7:30am: The full strength of Earl arrived around 2:00am this morning and has been raging since. Heavy rain, and strong 50+ mph wind gusts have been the norm though the night. IWS wind meters are currently reading NNW winds at near 70 mph with gusts to 83mph in Rodanthe at this time. Here in Nags Head, power remains online, along with all other utilities. The only debris I see are down tree branches, though no fallen trees. I do have to deal with some water leaks around a few windows, but nothing major. Our little guy slept though the night without a peep! Will post some photos later this morning.

12:00 am: Wind and rain has increased and an extremely warm humid airmass remains when stepping outside. Wind strength is climbing in Nags Head; however, remains in the mid-20s with higher gusts. Falling pine cones is all that is happening thus far.
Note though that the IWS wind meters are reading very windy conditions in Avon with NNE wind averaging 51 with gusts to 65 mph! Definitely the beating is underway down south on Hatteras Island and especially Avon at this moment as Hurricane Earl continues his march north just east of the Outer Banks. Stay tuned for the next report if I am awakened by extreme conditions which may hit overnight?!

9:30 pm: Not too much happening yet. Conditions outside include a very warm humid airmass with NE wind blowing in the mid-20 mph range. The air feels very thick with humidity as the storm continues its approach. Light, wind driven rain. Wind is increasing though as I type this blog post! Next report at 12:00am.

Full Mandatory Evacuation for Ocracoke Island - Hyde County, and ENTIRE - Dare County (VISITORS)

UPDATE: Sept 2, 7:00am
The mandatory evacuation has been extended to VISITORS across ALL of Dare County. Additionally the Town of Nags Head has issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents and visitors in South Nags Head (Rt 12 south of Whalebone Junction). Hurricane force conditions are expected early Friday morning across all of the Outer Banks as the eye of the storm is expected to pass around 70 miles offshore.
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UPDATE: Sept 1, 7:00pm
The mandatory evacuation has been extended to RESIDENTS as well as VISITORS on Hatteras Island (includes all villages south of Oregon Inlet). The latest storm track forecast notes a probable landfall along the southern Outer Banks with a curve east as the storm tracks north along the islands. Hurricane force conditions expected early Friday morning on Hatteras Island.
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UPDATE: Sept 1, 9:00am
Dare County has issued a mandatory evacuation for all VISITORS to Hatteras Island. This is in anticipation of ocean overwash and breakthroughs likely at S-Turns/Mirlo Beach and other spots along Rt 12 on Pea Island. Recommend travel during periods around low tide which passed at 7:30am this morning, and will approach this evening around 8:30pm. Though of course, if you are planning to evacuate best to leave ASAP before the heavy storm swell arrives.

Be sure to check this live photo/video feed from Mirlo Beach/S-Turns which is one of the most vulnerable locations for ocean overwash that will likely occur restricting access to/from populated areas of Hatteras Island. Additional feeds are available on this blog in the right hand sidebar under "OBX Web Cams"
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As the forecast models refine the track of Hurricane Earl, the storm cone brings it very close to the southern Outer Banks. Hyde County (Ocracoke Island) has issued a mandatory evacuation of the island:

A state of emergency has been declared for Hyde County effective 9 PM today. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all visitors and residents of Ocracoke beginning at 5 AM on Wednesday, September 1.

The NC Ferry system will be on a first-come, first –serve basis for all vehicles open to Hatteras, Swan Quarter, and Cedar Island pending road conditions in those receiving counties. Schedules and toll collections are suspended during the evacuation order.

Emergency services, government agencies, commercial vendors delivering essential groceries and supplies, and permanent residential traffic as indicated by purple and green stickers will be allowed on the island via air and marine traffic. The State Highway Patrol may restrict access without appropriate credentials.

Before leaving, residents and guests in this area should take precautions such as moving cars and equipment to higher ground. Please pick up potential debris that could become unsecure during the storm.

People with medical needs and unique situations are urged to consider their options. Hyde County public safety services will cease after winds reach 50 mph sustained.

Those seeking shelter may travel to North Pitt High School, 5659 N. Highway 11, Bethel, NC. This shelter will be open at 9 am on Wednesday, September 1.

This is the only information available at this time. Please tune in to local radio 90.1 FM on the island, the National Weather Service, and local television reports.

As seen in the past, hurricanes are unpredictable and can change with little notice. Residents and visitors need to remain vigilant and not let your guard down.

Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property. Further updates will be issued after the 6 pm meeting.

Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.

Hatteras Wave Jam 2010 - Killer Industry Support!!

What an event and what a score for participants of Hatteras Wave Jam 2010!  The windsurfing industry support has been awesome this year and there are some killer prizes available for event participants!

Hatteras Wave Jam 2010 is stoked to offer participants the opportunity to score some killer windsurfing merchandise from windsurfing industry sponsors. Brand new RRD WaveTwin 90 wave board, 2010 wave sails from MauiSails and Goya, Dakine harnesses and other merchandise, a complete ABK Windsurfing Camp, SUP excursions, etc., etc...!

All in all, Hatteras Wave Jam 2010 has an excellent assortment of killer prizes courtesy of our supporting sponsors. Definitely all the more reason to not miss Hatteras Wave Jam 2010!

Be sure to register today to join the Jam!

Lots of Tropical Action to Kick Off OBX Sept!

Well, the surf is finally here for Hatteras 2010 with a triple header lining up to end August and welcome September!! First there was Hurricane Danielle which offered up a fun weekend swell with great longboard and SUP action at the Cove in Buxton.

On deck we have H Earl who is forecast to make a brush by the OBX Thursday/Friday. The forecast models have been all over the place with surf size ranging from 27ft to 12 ft and winds from 60+mph to mid-20s. The models will zero in as the second half of the week approaches, and hopefully the storm will remain well offshore and only throw us a fun sized swell as well as wind. Definitely do not want to see Mirlo/S-Turns and Rt 12 washed out again, especially leading into Labor Day weekend!

Following Earl we have Invest 97 which is well out of the picture until the week following Labor Day. Hopefully, again a storm which shoots The Slot between Cape Hatteras and Bermuda and does not approach landfall.

What a kickoff of the 2010 Hatteras Tropical Season! After a year of minimal surf, we are kicking into high gear! Now if we can also experience some ideal wavesailing wind (SW/NE in the 20 to 25 knot range) along with a long period swell..., what a lead up to Hatteras Wave Jam 2010!!

Stay tuned for upcoming Hatteras Tropical coverage!

Hatteras Wave Jam 2010 Promotional Video!

Still on the fence for Hatteras Wave Jam 2010?! Be sure to check out the new promotional video for the upcoming event! You still have time with a little less than three weeks to plan a trip and come out to "Rip it!"