Evacuation orders in effect

  The following evacuation orders have been issued by the Dare County Control Group in praparation for coastal flooding and ocean overwash when Hurricane Earl passes the Outer Banks early Friday morning:

  Mandatory evacuation is ordered for all visitors throughout the entire county. Residents along the oceanfront are advised to relocate due to coastal flooding and ocean overwash.

  Weather conditions will deteriorate this evening as the storm approaches. There are no emergency shelters available in Dare County. A shelter has been established in Bethel, in Pitt County at North Pitt High School, 5659 N.C. highway 11 North.

  The town of Nags Head advises those staying in the area during the storm that they may lose electricity and water services. Please be prepared. Should travel for public safety personnel become unsafe, calls for emergency response may be delayed. Sections of South Nags Head could lose water prior to the storm as well as after it, if conditions warrant. Friday trash pick-up will occur Saturday, weather permitting.

  The Dare County office on Hatteras Island is closed. All Dare County offices will be closed Friday, Sept. 3.