DARE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Joint Information Center
Phone: 252-475-5655 Web: www.darecountyem.com Twitter: @DareCoEM

July 3, 2014 1:00 p.m.

Dare County Stresses Dangers Associated with Arthur’s Upgraded Forecast

The National Weather Service has upgraded the seriousness of the forecast for Hurricane Arthur projecting it as a Category 2 storm. In view of this, Dare County Emergency Management urges all Hatteras Island residents and visitors who have not evacuated to reconsider their decision and immediately heed the evacuation order. This storm is a dangerous one with substantial risks that all residents and visitors should carefully consider.

Those who do not evacuate should be prepared to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours. Be aware that emergency personnel may be unable to respond to calls for help during high winds. During and after the storm there is the risk of impassable roads due to soundside flooding and ocean overwash. And, access to essential goods and services may be disrupted. There are no Red Cross approved shelters in Dare County.

Hurricane Arthur is expected to reach the Hatteras Island portion of Dare County with gale force winds by 8:00 p.m. tonight. Conditions will worsen and steadily increase to sustained winds of 100 mph by 1:00 a.m. Friday morning. Areas north of Oregon Inlet will feel gale force winds by 11:00 p.m. tonight, which will peak to sustained winds of 60 mph by 4:00 a.m. Friday.

With the storm intensifying to a Category 2 level there is an increased risk of soundside flooding for Hatteras Island and areas adjacent to the Pamlico Sound. Significant ocean overwash is expected and will pose a serious threat to oceanfront areas especially in the Villages of Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras.

The mandatory evacuation remains in effect for the Villages of Hatteras including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Hatteras Island residents and visitors are advised to finalize their evacuation as expediently as possible while daylight remains. Visitors should evacuate with all personal belongings and follow instructions offered by their property management company.

A State of Emergency has been issued for all of Dare County with the only restriction being the mandatory evacuation of Hatteras Island. During this time access to Hatteras Island is not allowed.