Category Archives: Emergency Information

09/28/17

Unrestricted Access to Hatteras Island Begins at 1:00 p.m. Today

Post Date: 09/28/2017, 9:15 a.m.
Contact: Dare County Emergency Management
Phone: 252.475.5655

Unrestricted Access to Hatteras Island Begins at 1:00 p.m. Today

Beginning at 1:00 p.m. today (Thursday, September 28), there will be unrestricted access to Hatteras Island. At that time, visitors may return to all Hatteras Island villages including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. Be sure to call your accommodations provider in advance to confirm reservations and check-in details.

There are still pockets of sand and water remaining along Highway 12 and on some side roads. It will be necessary for NCDOT to maintain traffic control points along portions of Highway 12 to enable crews to continue working to clear roads. This will limit traffic to one lane in some areas. Expect delays and proceed with extreme caution.

All travelers must realize that the water on roadways contains salt and may cause damage to vehicles. A state of emergency remains in effect and includes motor vehicle speed restrictions on flooded roads.

Dangerous surf and rip currents will remain in the area through the weekend. Stay out of the ocean – conditions are unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers. For updated forecasts from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/mhx.

 

Save

Save

09/27/17

Tropical Storm Warning Remains in Effect for Dare County

Post Date: 09/27/2017, 2:58 p.m.
Contact: Dare County Emergency Management
Phone: 252.475.5655

Tropical Storm Warning Remains in Effect for Dare County

While Hurricane Maria is now moving offshore and away from the Outer Banks, a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Dare County and a Storm Surge Warning remains in effect for the southernmost villages of Hatteras Island, including Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.

The mandatory evacuation for visitors on Hatteras Island remains in effect. County officials will continue to closely monitor conditions and coordinate with NCDOT to determine when road conditions will allow reentry for visitors.

“NCDOT is making excellent progress clearing sand and water from Highway 12, but the next high tide cycle is expected to bring additional ocean overwash and soundside flooding that will create hazardous driving conditions in some areas,” said Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson. “While we all want visitors to return to Hatteras Island as quickly as possible, safety is the top priority.”

For residents already on Hatteras Island, please use caution, slow down and remember that salt water causes damage to vehicles. Proceed with caution.

The next update regarding reentry for visitors to Hatteras Island will be issued no later than 11:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, September 28 following a meeting of the Dare County Control Group.

Dare County Public Works has cancelled garbage collection for Hatteras Island customers on Thursday, September 28.

Sign up to receive voice, email and text message alerts directly from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareNC.com/EmergencyAlerts or text “Join DareEmergencyAlerts” to 30890.

09/27/17

Hurricane Maria – Wednesday morning update

Wednesday, September 27 9:00am

We have seen ocean overwash and soundside flooding from Hurricane Maria on Hatteras Island, but NCDOT reports that while there is sand and water on the roads, no roads are closed at this time.

Storm conditions are expected to continue today and we expect more overwash and flooding as the storm passes and winds shift. Our offices remain closed for the safety of our staff.

Dare County’s mandatory evacuation order for visitors is still in place and we do not yet know when that will be released. We will post updates as they become available.

Continue to monitor the resources provided below:

For the latest on Dare County’s evacuation order and information on re-entry:

For travel conditions on NC 12 and Ferry Status:

For weather updates about the storm:

Hurricane and storm procedures for our guests:

For questions about travel insurance:

  • US Residents: Contact Travel Guard 1-877-249-5376
  • Canadian Residents: Contact Global Holiday Protection at 1-866-914-5333
09/26/17

Storm Surge Warning Issued for Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village

For Immediate Release

September 26, 2017 12:30 p.m.
Contact: Dare County Emergency Management 252.475.5655

Storm Surge Warning Issued for Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village

As Hurricane Maria moves closer to Dare County, winds will reach tropical force later today and remain through early Thursday. Extended periods of high winds will lead to ocean overwash and soundside flooding.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Storm Surge Warning for the southernmost villages of Hatteras Island, including Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. Water level rise of up to 4 feet above ground is forecast for these areas.

Mandatory evacuation remains in effect for visitors on Hatteras Island. As local conditions deteriorate, road closures and travel restrictions are likely, particularly for portions of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island. Motorists should proceed with caution, drive slowly through standing water, and stay off Highway 12 during periods of high tide.

All areas of Dare County are experiencing dangerous surf and rip currents that will remain through the week. Stay out of the water – conditions are unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers.

Dare County Offices Dare County offices on Hatteras Island are closed today and will be closed on Wednesday, September 27. All county offices north of Oregon Inlet are open for business.

Dare County Public Works
There will be NO commercial trash collection on Hatteras Island on Wednesday, September 27. There will be NO commercial recycle pick up for the remainder of this week.

Dare County Parks and Recreation
All Dare County Parks and Recreation activities are cancelled through Wednesday, September 27.

For Additional Information

Subscribe to receive email updates from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareNC.com/EmergencyAlerts and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx or the National Hurricane Center at  www.nhc.noaa.gov/

For updated information regarding the status of all roads and bridges in Dare County, visit https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/.

For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC 12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12.

09/25/17

Dare County Emergency Management Release – Tropical Storm Conditions Expected Tuesday

For Immediate Release, September 25, 2017, 5:10 p.m.
Contact: Dare County Emergency Management 252.475.5655

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect as Hurricane Maria tracks northward, paralleling the U.S. east coast, bringing direct impacts to Dare County beginning Tuesday. The mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remains in effect and includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village.

Dare County residents and visitors north of Oregon Inlet should make any last minute storm preparations as soon as possible. Remain vigilant by monitoring updated weather forecasts and warnings. Once tropical storm conditions reach the area on Tuesday, limit travel as much as possible and remain indoors.
In addition, a Storm Surge Watch remains in effect for portions of Dare County. Storm surge flooding will lead to ocean overwash along areas of Highway 12 prone to flooding. As roadways accumulate sand and water, motorists should proceed with caution, drive slowly through standing water, and stay off Highway 12 during periods of high tide. Again, avoid travel if possible.

Storm surge flooding is also expected to lead to soundside flooding, particularly in the southernmost villages of Hatteras Island.

The large ocean swells that are already occurring will continue to build, causing dangerous surf and rip currents most of the week. Stay out of the water – conditions are unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers.

For more information, please monitor information from the National Weather Service www.weather.gov/mhx.

For updated information from the National Hurricane Center, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov/.Subscribe to receive email updates from
Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareNC.com/EmergencyAlerts and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

For updated road conditions from NCDOT, visit https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/.

Dare County Offices Dare County offices on Hatteras Island will be closed on Tuesday, September 26. All county offices north of Oregon Inlet will be open for business.

Dare County Public Works
On Tuesday, September 26, Dare County Sanitation will operate on a regular schedule with collection for Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Manteo (outside), Wanchese, East Lake, Stumpy Point and Manns Harbor. Customers in these areas should bring in and secure their cans as soon as possible following service on Tuesday morning.

There will be NO commercial trash collection on Hatteras Island on Wednesday, September 27.

There will be NO commercial recycle pick up for the remainder of this week.

Dare County Parks and Recreation All Hatteras Island Parks and Recreation activities are cancelled through Wednesday, September 27.

# # #

Save

09/25/17

Helpful Resources for Monitoring Hurricane Maria

Because of the anticipated effects of Hurricane Maria, Dare County issued a mandatory evacuation for visitors on Hatteras Island that became effective today at noon. We are sorry to see our guests leave the island and are very grateful for their help and cooperation today as they quickly packed their belongings and helped us secure our homes. We hope they may return soon.

Please refer to the following resources to monitor this storm:

For the latest on Dare County’s evacuation order and information on re-entry:

For travel conditions on NC 12 and Ferry Status:

For weather updates about the storm:

Hurricane and storm procedures for our guests:

For questions about travel insurance:

  • US Residents: Contact Travel Guard 1-877-249-5376
  • Canadian Residents: Contact Global Holiday Protection at 1-866-914-5333
09/25/17

Dare County Issues Mandatory Evacuation for Visitors on Hatteras Island

Mandatory Evacuation Issued for Visitors on Hatteras Island

Post Date: 09/25/2017 9:46 a.m.
Contact: Dare County Emergency Management
Phone: 252.475.5655

 The Dare County Control Group met this morning and has declared a state of emergency for Dare County, issuing a mandatory evacuation for all Hatteras Island visitors effective at 12 noon today. Visitors on Hatteras Island should pack all of their belongings and depart as soon as possible, before conditions deteriorate and driving becomes hazardous. Be sure to communicate with your accommodations provider before leaving.

Hurricane Maria will pass about 150 miles southeast of Dare County bringing significant impacts including high winds for a long duration, and significant ocean and sound overwash and flooding. It is likely that roads will become impassable for extended periods and emergency response may be limited at the height of the storm.

Motorists should proceed with caution, drive slowly through standing water, and stay off Highway 12 during periods of high tide. Soundside flooding is also expected, particularly for the southernmost villages of Hatteras Island.

Now is the time to ensure you are ready by taking personal planning and preparations seriously – ensure that your emergency kit is properly stocked and that your emergency plan is ready to implement. For preparedness tips and information, visit www.readync.org.

If you or someone you know has special medical needs and may need assistance, please call the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, Social Services Division at 252.475.5500 to register.  The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Subscribe to receive email updates from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareNC.com/EmergencyAlerts and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx. Updates from the National Hurricane Center are available at www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Save

09/24/17

Dare County Release: Hurricane Maria Anticipated to Bring Tropical Storm Conditions to Dare County

For Immediate Release

September 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Dare County Emergency Management, 252.475.5655

Hurricane Maria Anticipated to Bring Tropical Storm Conditions to Dare County

Dare County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Maria and is asking residents and visitors to stay informed and prepare for tropical storm conditions that are expected to reach the area on Tuesday. Impacts will include high winds for a long duration, dangerous surf conditions, and flooding from the ocean and sound. Dangerous surf conditions will persist throughout the week and travel impacts will occur as Maria moves off the coast.

The Dare County Control Group will meet on Monday morning to assess the storm’s track and the anticipated impacts to determine whether any protective measures are needed.

Any change in Maria’s track could bring greater impacts. Now is the time to ensure you are ready by taking personal planning and preparations seriously – ensure that your emergency kit is properly stocked and that your emergency plan is ready to implement. For preparedness tips and information, visit www.readync.org.

If you or someone you know has special medical needs and may need assistance during an emergency, please call the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, Social Services Division at 252.475.5500 to register. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Subscribe to receive email updates from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareNC.com/EmergencyAlerts and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx.

###

08/4/17

Update for Guest affected by the Power Outage

Dare County has lifted the mandatory evacuation that was imposed due to the power outage event last week. Access to Hatteras Island is now unrestricted. We are thrilled to welcome our guests to Hatteras Island!

Guests scheduled to be in our homes this week:

If you were scheduled to arrive on 7/29 or 7/30 or were in the homes for more than one week, the island is now open! You may come to enjoy the remainder of your vacation.

Guests scheduled to arrive the weekend of 8/5:

You may arrive for your vacation as planned! Please be aware that some of this week’s guests are coming today. If your home is ready when you arrive, we will let you in. However, our regular check-in times will still apply for those homes that need to be cleaned and prepared.

If your vacation was interrupted due to the mandatory evacuation:

If you purchased travel insurance:
AIG is encouraging all guests who purchased Travel Guard® travel insurance to file a claim.  You can file a claim online at www.aig.com/travelclaims or by calling 1-877-249-5376.

If you did not purchase travel insurance:
We will assist uninsured guests seeking direct resolution with PCL Construction. Please find attached a link to PCL’s claims questionnaire. We encourage all uninsured guests to complete and return the provided questionnaire as soon as possible. We will provide any necessary information needed to complete the questionnaire. http://outerbanks.pcl.com/

08/3/17

Welcoming Guests Back to Hatteras Island Tomorrow at Noon

We are thrilled that Dare County is allowing us to welcome our guests back to Hatteras Island tomorrow at noon! At that time, there will be unrestricted access to Hatteras Island and all visitors are welcome.

If you were scheduled to be in one of our homes this week and plan to arrive to enjoy the remainder of your vacation, come on down! Just please inform us of your plans so that we can ensure your keyless entry code will allow you access to your home. All of our homes have been cleaned and prepared for your arrival. However, since Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative requested that we turn the power off to all rental homes to ensure success of the temporary generator power, your home has had no power for a week and the water has been dumped from the hot tub. The power restrictions were lifted this evening and we expect to have power back on in all homes by noon tomorrow, but it is possible that you might arrive to a home that is still in the process of cooling. The hot tubs will be filled and made ready as quickly as possible.

For guests scheduled to arrive the weekend of 8/5, you may check-in for your vacation as planned. While all of our homes have been cleaned and prepared, many of this week’s guests are planning to come tomorrow to enjoy the remainder of their vacation. Those homes will need to be cleaned and prepared for your arrival. If your home is ready when you arrive we will let you in, but many homes will require cleaning and preparation. Check-in begins at 4:00 but homes are not guaranteed until 6:00.

We couldn’t be happier to welcome you to Hatteras Island. We look forward to seeing you at the beach!