Weather forecasters are still watching an area of disturbed weather that was southwest of Bermuda this afternoon – basically between Bermuda and the coast of North Carolina.

The area is still just a low pressure area, though forecasters with the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel are still thinking that it could become sub-tropical or tropical in the next few days and head back toward the southeast coast.

This disturbance could affect Hatteras and Ocracoke over the weekend. 

Dare County issued a press release today on the possible stormy situation.

“An area of disturbed weather 360 miles southwest of Bermuda may threaten the Outer Banks and Dare County through Monday,” the release noted. 

The county advised area residents to monitor local news outlets for the latest updates from the National Weather Service, as well as state and local emergency management officials. 

“Now is the time for residents to prepare their homes and gather supplies,” according to the release “Anyone traveling to the Outer Banks this weekend should also monitor reports and be aware of the possible weather situation. 

In the event this disturbance becomes a storm, Dare County Emergency Management urges residents to do the following before the storm approaches the Outer Banks:

--Prepare an emergency kit. To prepare for a storm, it is best to have an emergency kit available.  This kit should contain nonperishable food, water, and clothing to sustain each family member for three days.  The kit should also include a flashlight, radio, and spare batteries.  Blankets, rain gear, and appropriate footwear also are recommended.  Special considerations must be made for the young or disabled.  Remember to include baby food and medicines as appropriate.  In addition, the kit should include photocopies of important family documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.

--Secure outdoor property and homes. It is recommended that all residents begin protecting their homes, clearing the yard of loose branches and other debris.  Residents should also be prepared to board up windows if a storm forms and approaches the area.
 
--Register for Special Care. Residents needing transportation or medical care should contact Dare County Social Services, if they have not already done so.  Special needs shelters require advance registration.  Dare County Social Services can be reached at 475-5500. 

--Prepare to evacuate if ordered to do so. If evacuations are called for, public shelters will be set up for evacuees further inland.  However, it might be more comfortable for those who evacuate to stay at a hotel or friend’s home that is out of the storm’s path.  These arrangements must be made early since hotels fill up quickly and evacuations take time.  Begin thinking about your plan.    

This low pressure area is not looking particularly threatening now.  However, Hatteras and Ocracoke islanders are remembering Hurricane Alex in 2004.  This storm also formed quickly off the southeast coast and intensified very quickly.  When we went to bed the night before, Alex was a tropical storm and we expected rain and a little wind the next day.  When we woke up the next morning, Alex was a Category 2 hurricane, having intensified quickly overnight in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.