Evacuation issued, Hatteras
ByA mandatory evacuation has been issued for all Hatteras Island VISITORS effective immediately. The Dare County Control Group met this morning to assess the storm and issued the order in anticipation of high waves along the oceanfront of Hatteras Island. The evacuation order facilitates visitors leaving Hatteras Island before high seas produce overwash on Rt. 12 which will impede safe travel.
The evacuation is only on Hatteras Island and does NOT apply for areas north of Oregon Inlet. The order does NOT include the towns of Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Southern Shores, Roanoke Island or the mainland of Dare County.
A hurricane watch is in effect for all of Dare County and the North Carolina coast from north of Surf City in Virginia, including the Pamlico and Albamarle sounds. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.
Dare County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Earl and urges all residents and visitors to take necessary precautions for possible hurricane force winds as the storm is expected to pass about 80 miles off the Outer Banks early Friday morning.
Protective measures should be taken to secure property. Everyone should complete preparations such as storing all loose outside objects. In advance of any hurricane, everyone should prepare an emergency kit including nonperishable food, water and clothing to sustain each family member for three days. The kit should also include a flashlight, radio, spare batteries and medications. Blankets, rain gear and appropriate footwear are also recommended. The kit should include photocopies of important family documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor local news outlets for further advisories from the National Weather Service and state and local emergency management officials. Bulletins will be issued as needed and available at www.darenc.com and on Government Access Channel 20.