News Summary
Hurricane Erin has brought fear to Dare County, NC, prompting a state of emergency and mandatory evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. With potential weather intensification and evacuation orders in place, residents are urged to stay ready and informed. Coastal flooding, road impassability, and decreased medical services heighten concerns as the storm approaches, prompting community leaders to keep a close watch on the situation.
Hurricane Erin Causes Panic in Dare County
As the stormy winds whip through the charming towns of Dare County, North Carolina, residents and visitors are facing the reality of Hurricane Erin. Although it has weakened to a Category 3, there are indications that this weather system could regain strength and expand in size, giving everyone a reason to stay on high alert.
State of Emergency Declared
The Dare County government wasted no time in taking precautions, issuing a state of emergency that encompasses beloved spots like Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo. This means that everyone in these areas should be preparing for the worst.
To compound the urgency, mandatory evacuation orders have been put into effect for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, where severe impacts are anticipated. If you’re planning to head to Hatteras Island, keep in mind that visitors must evacuate by 10 a.m. on August 18, while residents need to clear out by 8 a.m. on August 19. This evacuation also includes the unincorporated villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Ocracoke Island began its visitor evacuation at 8 p.m. on August 17 and expects residents to follow suit by 6 a.m. on August 19.
Weather Warnings and Safety Precautions
As a precaution, a coastal flood watch is in place, which anticipates coastal flooding and ocean overwash starting August 19 and stretching through August 21. The roads are also seeing effects; sections of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island are predicted to become impassable for several days due to the combination of flooding tides and beach erosion.
For context, this storm was once at a frightening Category 5 status, reaching maximum winds of 160 mph on August 16. After a slight downgrade, its winds are currently at 125 mph, but experts predict that Erin is likely to regain its former strength over the next 48 hours, keeping coastal residents on edge.
Stay Safe and Informed
The dangers are not only confined to the wind. Dangerous ocean conditions have prompted double red flags to fly throughout the Outer Banks, hence swimming is off-limits. Dare County Emergency Management has reminded everyone to take these evacuation orders seriously to avoid life-threatening scenarios that could arise from a potential storm surge.
In terms of evacuations, the North Carolina Ferry System has reported that around 2,263 passengers and 1,113 vehicles have been safely evacuated from Ocracoke Island. Local leaders are keenly watching the storm’s movements and may issue more evacuation orders if necessary.
Medical Services in Jeopardy
Residents with medical conditions have been advised to evacuate promptly. Essential medical services on Ocracoke Island could become unavailable due to the probable inaccessibility of Highway 12 related to the storm. So if you or someone you know relies on these services, making plans immediately is key.
Additionally, storm surge alerts have been broadcasted by the National Weather Service to keep the local populace informed about the oncoming dangers. The most intense coastal flooding and ocean overwash impacts are expected to peak around August 20 and 21. Thus, if you haven’t made your preparations yet, now is the time!
Conclusion
The community’s safety is paramount during these uncertain times. As Hurricane Erin churns closer to Dare County, residents and visitors are urged to stay informed, heed evacuation orders, and prioritize personal and family safety. With proper planning and vigilance, everyone can weather this storm together.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Outer Banks, NC
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations and Warnings Along U.S. East Coast
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
