07/08/2014
Last night, Hatteras Island was finally able to celebrate America’s independence after Hurricane Arthur swept through and altered all plans for the 4th of July holiday. “Awful Arthur”, who according to NOAA was the earliest hurricane to hit North Carolina in a season since records began in 1851, brought a devastating blow to businesses and residents who rely on their summer income to make it through the winters, and to the visitors who spend their entire year waiting and working hard for their one week in paradise. Thousands were forced to cut their week on Hatteras Island short as a mandatory evacuation began Thursday, July 3rd, and thousands more lined Highway 12 on Saturday, July 5, anxiously awaiting the evacuation order to be lifted so that they could begin their vacation.
In the hours between, a whirlwind commenced. Storm prep. Storm. Storm damage assessment. Storm clean-up. Combined with what seemed like one billion percent humidity, Hurricane Arthur’s winds registered at over 100 mph and sound tide took the Tri-Village area just as they were finally recovering after being pummeled by Hurricane Irene three years earlier. Skin slick with sweat and literally up to their knees in debris and/or standing water, those remaining on Hatteras Island banded together after a sleepless night to put this place we call home back in working order. Neighbors helping neighbors, their mission is largely accomplished, but not quite complete. Nonetheless, we are happy to have our friends back on these sandy shores so that we can share this slice of heaven with the world.
Having finally nestled into their homes after a long weekend for residents and visitors alike, everyone gathered in Avon near the fishing pier. Hatteras Island always has a big celebration for the 4th of July, but this year, most of it was obviously cancelled…except the fireworks, which were merely postponed. Come hell, high water, or Hurricane Arthur, we will have our fireworks and we will celebrate America’s freedom! As men, women and children from Hatteras Island stretching to the West Coast did just that, a sense of unity crept up through the crowd like a visible haze. It was more than just patriotism that we were celebrating. We were celebrating life, brotherhood, compassion, goodwill and the treasure trove of other things we have to be thankful for.
