Area prepares for Earl

  Dare County and the National Park Service are gearing up in preparation for Hurricane Earl.

  The county control group met today (Tuesday) to assess updated information from the National Weather Service. The group of local decision-makers assessed the storm’s path currently projected to remain approximately 100 miles off the Outer Banks.

  Even with the storm offshore, the group reports, Earl could produce gale force winds and high surf conditions through Friday. There is also the potential for serious ocean overwash in the southern portions of the county from Rodanthe to Hatteras Village.

  The N.C. Emergency Management office has established a command center to track the storm and mobilize any necessary resources. The highway patrol is moving personnel into regionally-staged areas, and NCDOT has staged equipment in readiness. Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative has initiated preliminary actions to prepare for possible problems.

  No new re-entry permits have been issued this year. All previously issued 2008/2009 re-entry permits are valid and may be used. Dare County residents may also use a N.C. driver’s license or a current Dare County tax receipt with valid identification for re-entry. 

  For more information, visit www.darenc.com or Government Access Channel 20.

  In anticipation of Earl affecting the area Thursday and into Friday, the NPS  has closed its campgrounds, and the Ocracoke Campground reservation system has been temporarily suspended.

  The last climb for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and the lighthouse will close at 3 p.m.

  By Thursday, expected ocean overwash and rough surf will create unsafe conditions on seashore beaches, and off-road vehicle use will be prohibited until safe conditions allow for this recreational activity.

  For more information, listen to NOAA weather radio and local radio and media for updates and advisories.