Provided by Dare County Joint Information Center
12:30 p.m. October 28, 2012

NCDOT is working to remove sand and water on NC Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, which has closed the roadway south of Oregon Inlet. Motorists are advised to use caution and be alert for water and sand overwash on Highway 12 and all roads throughout Dare County.

Storm force (50+ mph) winds will reduce as the hurricane moves further to the east. However, winds of 30+ mph are projected to extend into Tuesday and produce rough surf and dangerous rip currents. The threat of ocean flooding of 3 to 6 feet will continue to exist due to astronomical tides and storm surge.

Shifting winds are expected to produce soundside flooding of 3 to 5 feet throughout Dare County. Some areas of southern Hatteras Island are already experiencing flooding.

Visitors should consult with their accommodations provider before traveling to the area.

NCDOT has suspended ferry service between Hatteras Village and Ocracoke. Operations will return to normal as soon as winds diminish and conditions are safe. NCDOT road information is available by calling 511 or online at www.ncdot.gov/travel

Dare County Public Works has suspended residential and commercial garbage collection for Monday, October 29. This includes the Towns of Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk. The Dare County scales, transfer station operations and recycling will be closed. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, October 30.

Town of Kill Devil Hills –

At 11:15 a.m. this morning the Town of Kill Devil Hills declared a State of Emergency. At this time, motorists are advised to not travel NC 12/Virginia Dare Trail due to ocean overwash. Additional restrictions will be implemented as recommended by emergency response personnel. There will be no refuse collection in Kill Devil Hills tomorrow, Monday, October 29, 2012.

Town of Kitty Hawk –

The Town of Kitty Hawk has issued a State of Emergency. NC Highway 12 in Kitty Hawk is closed from Hawk Street to Eckner. Portions of NC 12 have experienced ocean overwash on Sibern Drive, White Street, Bleriot Street, and Byrd Street as well as the Kitty Hawk Bath House. There is also some side street flooding on Maynard Street and Byrd Street. Kitty Hawk Police are asking motorists to avoid traveling NC 12 in Kitty Hawk due to damaging debris and standing saltwater and sand. Motorists can expect some road closures on NC 12 from East Kitty Hawk Road to Byrd Street. NCDOT has staged equipment in Kitty Hawk for possible clean up. Should anyone wish to report a downed tree please call the Fire Department at 252-261-2666. There will be no trash collection in Kitty Hawk on Monday. Normal collection schedule will resume on Tuesday.

Town of Nags Head –

There will be no commercial or residential trash collection in Nags Head on Monday, October 29. Trash in the entire town will be collected Tuesday, October 30.

Areas of South Old Oregon Inlet Road in Nags Head may be impassable during high tide periods. Please do not drive through overwash. Salt water can wreak havoc on your vehicle and its electrical system.

Additional Storm Related Information –

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

Dare County Libraries ask customers not to return library materials to any of the outside bookdrops throughout the County during this storm to avoid damage to returned items.

If electrical power is lost, local service providers can be reached at the following numbers:

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, Outage Reporting Number: 866-511-9862
Dominion Power: 1-866-DOM-HELP (366-4357)
Tideland EMC: 252-943-3046

The next scheduled update will be available at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 28. The Dare County Emergency Operations Center will be operating throughout the storm and may be reached at 252-475-5655