From Dare County Joint Information Center
8:45 a.m. October 27, 2012

Weather conditions from Hurricane Sandy will deteriorate this afternoon. Dare County Emergency Management urges all residents and visitors to prepare now for strong winds and heavy rains of long duration that could produce ocean and soundside flooding.

Hurricane Sandy is tracking well off shore (150 miles) of the Outer Banks. Storm force winds (50 MPH+) have moved further to the east which will reduce wind intensity over the Outer Banks, however, long periods of 30+ MPH winds are still anticipated that will produce significant impacts, including –
• Moderate coastal flooding, rough surf and ocean overwash – Saturday night to Monday.
• Oceanside flooding of 2 to 4 feet above ground.
• Soundside flooding of 3 to 5 feet above ground – Sunday into Monday.
• Prolonged strong winds through Monday – sustained 35-55 MPH, gusts of 50-70 MPH.
• Erosion from breaking waves increasing from 8 to 12 feet today through Monday.
• Rain over the next 72 hours will amount to 4 to 7 inches.

Dare County Emergency Management advises everyone to take protective actions early today before winds strengthen. Cars should be moved to higher ground and property secured.

At this time there are no evacuation plans anticipated for Dare County. Visitors should check with their accommodations provider before traveling to the area.

Due to the weather outlook for Monday, October 29, Dare County Transportation will be closed for service due to unsafe conditions. Normal transportation service is expected to resume on Tuesday, October 30.

The next scheduled update will be available at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27. The Dare County Emergency Operations Center will be operating throughout the storm and may be reached at 252-475-5655 or visit www.darenc.com for updated information.