There will
be state
of emergency declared for Ocracoke and the Hyde County mainland,
effective at 5 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24.
A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all visitors to Ocracoke and
a voluntary evacuation has been issued for all residents of Ocracoke
beginning at 5 a.m.on Wednesday.
There will be a mandatory evacuation for all tourists and residents on
Ocracoke, beginning at 5 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 25.
During the state of emergency, the North Carolina Ferry Division will
be on a first-come, first -served basis for all vehicles going 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 to travel to
Ocracoke on Wednesday, Aug. 24, only via air and marine traffic. Local
and state law enforcement 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.
Please tune in to local radio 90.1 FM on the island, the National
Weather Service, and local television reports. Notices will be posted
at the Ocracoke Post Office and Ocracoke Variety Store as, well as on
the Hyde County Public Information Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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 on Wednesday, Aug. 24 after
evaluating the updated storm information.
