Travel and Storm Updates

For Midgett Realty storm information dial 252-986-6337 or Toll Free 888-857-7559.

We are beginning the process of assessing the condition of our homes. Hurricane Earl caused over wash on the Oceanside causing Highway 12 to be closed on Pea Island and also inundated Highway 12 with Sound water in many areas. All villages have experienced sound flooding and are making our assessment difficult because of some homes being inaccessible. Our office will remain closed today as travel for many of our employees is impossible and many have evacuated because of Earl. We are making every attempt to be prepared when the Mandatory evacuation is lifted, but nothing can be guaranteed until we can access all homes. Thanks for the many good words and well wishes that we have received, we will reopen as soon as possible.

Hurricane Earl

Bulletin # 6

9/2/2010 6:00 AM

Fax number: (252) 473-2799
Joint Information Center: (252) 475-5930 http://www.darenc.com

Evacuation Orders Expanded for Dare County

The Dare County Control Group has issued a mandatory evacuation for all visitors throughout the entire County effective 6:00 am Thursday, September 2. The evacuation ordered yesterday for visitors and residents on Hatteras Island remains in effect. In addition, residents along the oceanfront are advised to relocate due to coastal flooding and ocean overwash that will occur.

Hurricane force winds are expected during the early morning hours Friday as the storm passes approximately 70 miles off the Outer Banks. Weather conditions will deteriorate this evening as the storm approaches.

Dare County and the North Carolina coast is under a Hurricane Warning, which indicates that sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher are expected within 24 hours.

Town of Nags Head

The Town of Nags Head has issued a mandatory evacuation for residents and visitors in South Nags Head, which includes the area south of Whalebone Junction, NC1243/S. Old Oregon Inlet Road.

School Closings

All Dare County Schools will be closed today and Friday along with all after-school activities including the After-School Enrichment Program. Makeup days are scheduled for Saturday, September 11, and Friday, October 29.

Court Sessions Closed

Court sessions at the Dare County Courthouse are cancelled for today and Friday. Those with cases scheduled for either of these days will receive a letter from the Court advising of a new date.

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.

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Hurricane Earl

Bulletin # 5

9/1/2010 6:30 PM

Fax number: (252) 473-2799
Joint Information Center: (252) 475-5930 http://www.darenc.com

Mandatory Evacuation for Residents and Visitors of Hatteras Island

Dare County has announced a mandatory evacuation for all residents and visitors on Hatteras Island effective at 6:00pm Wednesday, September 1. The latest storm track has shifted Hurricane Earl to the west putting hurricane force winds over Hatteras Island early Friday morning.

The evacuation order for both residents and visitors of Hatteras Island does NOT apply for areas north of Oregon Inlet. At this time, the order does NOT include the towns of Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Southern Shores, Roanoke Island or mainland Dare County.

As Dare County Emergency Management closely monitors the storm, residents and visitors should be prepared for the possibility of additional evacuations that may be needed tomorrow for mainland and northern portions of Dare County.

A Hurricane Warning was issued today by the National Hurricane Center for all of Dare County and the North Carolina Coast. A Hurricane Warning indicates that sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher are expected within 24 hours.

Dare County Emergency Management advises preparing for the storm by securing all loose outside objects. Other recommended preparation steps include assembling an emergency kit with nonperishable food, water and clothing to sustain each family member for three days.

Household emergency kits should also include a flashlight, radio, spare batteries, medications, blankets and rain gear. Also recommended are photocopies of important family documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies. Pet owners are reminded to make sure their animals have an identification tag on their collar.

Today Governor Bev Perdue declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Earl. The Governor’s order calls for all state and local agencies to cooperate in the implementation of provisions of the North Carolina Emergency Operations Plan. North Carolina is running extra ferry routes from Ocracoke Island and established an emergency shelter in Pitt County at North Pitt High School at 5659 NC Highway 11 North in Bethel, North Carolina.

On nearby Ocracoke Island, Hyde County Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation at 5:00am this morning for all visitors and residents of Ocracoke Island.

All Dare County Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 2 and Friday, September 3. Makeup days are scheduled for Saturday, September 11, and Friday, October 29. All after-school activities are cancelled for Thursday and Friday, including the After-School Enrichment Program

Court sessions at the Dare County Courthouse are cancelled for Thursday and Friday. Those with cases scheduled for either of those days will receive a letter from the Court advising of a new date.

Dare County Parks and Recreation has cancelled all activities for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The National Park Service today closed their Visitor Centers, Campgrounds and the Hatteras Lighthouse until further notice. Ocean-side beach access for off-road vehicles in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore closed at 5:00pm today. Severe coastal storm surge flooding is expected beginning on Thursday. If conditions permit, pedestrian access is allowed.

The Town of Duck’s residential trash collection scheduled for Friday, September 3 has been cancelled. Residential trash will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled collection day which is Monday, September 6. Commercial trash pick-up is not affected.

The Town of Kill Devil Hills will not have residential solid waste collection on Friday, September 3. However, there will be town-wide residential collection on Thursday, September 2. Rollout containers should be placed at the road Wednesday night and remember to properly secure the container after it has been serviced on Thursday.

Normal collection will resume Monday, September 6.

The Town of Nags Head advises all residents and visitors staying on or off of South Old Oregon Inlet Road in South Nags Head to closely monitor the news and weather. It is expected that this area will experience ocean overwash and you should be prepared to leave your home if conditions warrant or if an evacuation is called.

As part of readiness precautions being taken by the Dare County Social Services Department, contact is being made with Hatteras Island residents on the special needs list.

All scheduled rides through the Dare County Transportation System have been cancelled for Friday, September 3.

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Hurricane Earl

Bulletin # 4

9/1/2010 12:00 PM

Fax number: (252) 473-2799
Joint Information Center: (252) 475-5930 http://www.darenc.com

Hurricane Warning Issued for Dare County

A Hurricane Warning has been issued for all of Dare County and the North Carolina Coast from north of Surf City to Virginia, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.

A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher are expected in 24 hours or less. Warnings can remain in effect when dangerously high water or waves exist even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

This morning the Dare County Control Group ordered a mandatory evacuation for all Hatteras Island VISITORS. The group of local decision makers 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 NC Highway 12 which will impede safe travel.

The evacuation is only for visitors 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.

The Dare County Control Group will continue to closely monitor the storm’s progress and will assess whether further evacuation orders are necessary.

On nearby Ocracoke Island, Hyde County Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation at 5:00am this morning for all visitors and residents of Ocracoke Island.

Dare County Emergency Management urges all residents and visitors to take necessary precautions. Expect high seas, dangerous rip currents and 50 to 60 mile per hour winds as Hurricane Earl passes approximately 80 miles off the Outer Banks early Friday morning.

Protective measures should include securing property including 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. Pet owners are reminded to make sure their animals have an identification tag on their collar.

The National Park Service has announced the closure today of Visitor Centers and Campgrounds. The Ocracoke Visitor Center closed today at 12:00 noon and the Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will close today at 5:00pm. The Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds closed today at 12:00 noon. The last climb for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be today at 2:00pm with the lighthouse closing at 3:00pm. By Thursday, expected surf conditions will create unsafe conditions on Seashore beaches and off-road vehicle use will be prohibited until safe conditions allow for this activity.

The town of Kill Devil Hills will not have residential solid waste collection on Friday, September 3. However, there will be town-wide residential collection on Thursday, September 2. Rollout containers should be placed at the road Wednesday night and remember to properly secure the container after it has been serviced on Thursday. Normal collection will resume Monday, September 6.

The Dare County Transportation System has cancelled all scheduled rides for Friday, September 3.

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Hurricane Earl

Bulletin # 3

9/1/2010 8:00 AM

Fax number: (252) 473-2799
Joint Information Center: (252) 475-5930 http://www.darenc.com

Evacuation Order Issued for Visitors on Hatteras Island

A 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 NC Highway 12 which will impede safe travel.

The Dare County Control Group will continue to closely monitor the storm’s progress and will assess whether further evacuation orders are necessary.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for all of Dare County and the North Carolina Coast from north of Surf City to Virginia, including the Pamlico and Albemarle 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 approximately 80 miles off the Outer Banks early Friday morning.

The National Park Service has announced the closure today of Visitor Centers and Campgrounds. The Ocracoke Visitor Center will close today at 12:00 noon and the Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will close today at 5:00pm. The Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds are scheduled to close today at 12:00 noon. The last climb for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be today at 2:00pm with the lighthouse closing at 3:00pm. By Thursday, expected surf conditions will create unsafe conditions on Seashore beaches and off-road vehicle use will be prohibited until safe conditions allow for this activity.

Protective measures should be taken to secure property. Everyone should complete preparation activities, 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.

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Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 8:30 pm
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com, 252-925-0058

A state of emergency has been declared for Hyde County effective 9 PM today. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all visitors and residents of Ocracoke beginning at 5 AM on Wednesday, September 1.

The NC Ferry system will be on a first-come, first-serve basis for all vehicles open 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 on the island via air and marine traffic. The State Highway Patrol 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.

Those seeking shelter may travel to North Pitt High School, 5659 N. Highway 11, Bethel, NC. This shelter will be open at 9 am on Wednesday, September 1.

This is the only information available at this time. Please tune in to local radio 90.1 FM on the island, the National Weather Service, and local television reports.

As seen in the past, hurricanes are unpredictable and can change with little notice. Residents and visitors need to remain vigilant and not let your guard down.

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 after the 6 pm meeting.

Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.

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Hurricane Earl

Bulletin # 2

8/31/2010 5:30 PM

Fax number: (252) 473-2799
Joint Information Center: (252) 475-5930 http://www.darenc.com

Hurricane Watch Issued for the North Carolina Coast

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch for Dare County and all of the North Carolina Coast from north of Surf City to the Virginia border. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.

As early as Wednesday, the storm will generate rough seas with a high risk of dangerous rip currents. There is also the potential for serious ocean over-wash in the southern portions of Dare County from Rodanthe to Hatteras Village, which is expected to affect travel on NC Highway 12 south of Oregon Inlet.

The North Carolina Emergency Management Office has established a command center to track the storm and mobilize any necessary resources. The Highway Patrol is moving personnel into regionally staged areas and NCDOT has staged equipment in readiness.

Dominion Power is following their Hurricane Preparedness Plan and has implemented a Storm Alert phase with normal operating conditions at this time. The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative has initiated preliminary actions to prepare for possible problems related to Hurricane Earl.

The National Park Service has announced the upcoming closure of Visitor Centers and Campgrounds. The Ocracoke Visitor Center will close Wednesday at 12:00 noon and the Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will close at 5:00pm Wednesday. The Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds are scheduled to close at 12:00 noon Wednesday. The last climb for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be Wednesday at 2:00pm with the lighthouse closing at 3:00pm. By Thursday, expected surf conditions will create unsafe conditions on Seashore beaches and off-road vehicle use will be prohibited until safe conditions allow for this activity.

The Town of Kill Devil Hills is reviewing their Emergency Preparedness Plan with the Police, Fire, Finance, Administrative, and Public Services Departments all making initial preparations for Hurricane Earl.

The Town of Nags Head is closely watching Hurricane Earl and making initial preparations. Those staying along the oceanfront are requested to closely monitor the storm due to the expected high surf and relocate vehicles to higher ground.

The Dare County Planning Department reminds contractors to prepare their job sites for hazardous weather by securing loose materials. All residents and visitors are urged to take the same precautionary step along with other storm preparation measures outlined on www.darenc.com.

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From Hyde County Emergency Management - 1 pm, Tuesday, August 31, 2010

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Earl, a well-developed current category 4 hurricane, is forecast to impact the Outer Banks as it makes a NE turn off the coast. This will affect Hyde County with significant wind, rain, and storm surges that may flood low-lying areas of Hyde County, both on the Mainland and Ocracoke.

Local, county, and state Emergency Management representatives are aware and are monitoring this storm closely. They have decided to implement preparedness measures. They will meet this evening to review the latest forecast. Presently, they anticipate a mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island on Wednesday, September 1 beginning at 5 AM for all residents and visitors

Swell from Earl will begin to arrive late today with seas building to small craft advisory levels by Wednesday. The large swell will enhance the rip current threat starting today. Based on the current track, seas up to 20 feet are probable in the coastal waters. Even if the track remains offshore, breakers on the Outer Banks could be up to 15 ft. Overwash issues are likely on the Outer Banks ocean side Thursday night after midnight, peaking between midnight and 6 AM Friday. High tide will be around 230 AM.

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.

Again, there is not an evacuation in place at this time, but all are encouraged to make plans for their safety and security.

As seen in the past, hurricanes are unpredictable and can change with little notice. Residents and visitors need to remain vigilant and not let your guard down.

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 after the 6 pm meeting.

Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.

Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist:

* Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers
* Obtain medicine and prescriptions
* Check and fuel vehicles and generators
* Obtain cash
* Make pet arrangements
* Pick up loose items around the yard
* Protect vulnerable portions of property
* Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days (5+ recommended for Ocracoke)
* Obtain baby need or personal need items
* Check battery powered electronics and generators
* Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be replaced easily

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: August 31, 2010

CONTACT: Cyndy Holda, Public Information Officer, 252-473-2111, ext. 148

NPS Visitor Centers, Campgrounds and Beach Closures

The National Weather Service is predicting that the effects of Hurricane Earl will impact the Outer Banks Group units, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, by Thursday, September 2, 2010 with storm conditions continuing through Friday, September 3, 2010.

In anticipation of this weather event, on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, the Ocracoke Visitor Center will close at 12:00 noon and the Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will close 5:00 p.m. The Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds will close at 12:00 noon. The Ocracoke Campground reservation system has been temporarily suspended.

The last climb for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1 and the Lighthouse will close at 3:00 p.m.

By Thursday, expected ocean overwash and rough surf conditions will create unsafe conditions on Seashore beaches and off-road vehicle use will be prohibited until safe conditions allow for this recreational activity.

For more information, listen to NOAA weather radio and local radio and media for updates and advisories.

-NPS-

Hurricane Earl

Bulletin # 1

8/31/2010 12:30 PM

Fax number: (252) 473-2799
Joint Information Center: (252) 475-5930 http://www.darenc.com

Dare County Control Group Meets To Assess Hurricane Earl

The Dare County Control Group met Tuesday morning to assess updated information from the National Weather Service about Hurricane Earl. The group of local decision makers assessed the storm’s path currently projected to remain approximately 100 miles off the Outer Banks.

Even with the storm offshore, Earl could produce gale force winds and high surf conditions Wednesday through Friday. There is also the potential for serious ocean over-wash in the southern portions of Dare County from Rodanthe to Hatteras Village.

Emergency plans are in place to handle whatever contingency may arise. The North Carolina Emergency Management Office has established a command center to track the storm and mobilize any necessary resources. The Highway Patrol is moving personnel into regionally staged areas and NCDOT has staged equipment in readiness. The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative has initiated preliminary actions to prepare for possible problems related to Hurricane Earl.

The Dare County Control Group encourages residents and visitors to monitor local news outlets for further advisories from the National Weather Service and state and local emergency management officials.

No new reentry permits have been issued this year. All previously issued 2008/2009 reentry permits are valid and may be used. Dare County residents may also use a N.C. driver’s license or a current Dare County tax receipt with valid identification for reentry.

Dare County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Earl and the Emergency Control Group will meet Wednesday morning to further assess the storm and take whatever action is necessary to assure public safety. Bulletins will be issued as needed and available at www.darenc.com and on Government Access Channel 20.

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August 30, 2011

We are concerned about the potential effects of hurricane "Earl" later this week and are closely monitoring the situation and advise that our current guests and incoming guests for next week do so also. At this time we have not had any official statements or advisories issued by our County officials. As you know, many things can happen in the development of a storm and the best thing to do at this time is monitor the weather updates and be ready to act if need be. If you checked in Saturday we need you to stop by your check-in office and pick up a packet of storm prep information.Thank you!

Additional resources are:

While within North Carolina you can dial 511, which will connect you to the NCDOT road conditions hotline.
Visit http://www.nccrimecontrol.org/Index2.cfm?a=000003,000014,000758
Dare County webcam of the highway just North of Rodanthe here may be viewed here: http://www.darenc.com/webcam/mirlo.php
Dare County’s website: www.darenc.com homepage will have information under “announcements” as they deem necessary as the event unfolds.
The phone number for Dare County Emergency Management 252-475-5655.

Please make sure to print this information to bring with you when traveling.