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.
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.
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!