Bulletin #13
October 12, 2016 10:30 a.m.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has worked diligently to clear sand and water from NC Highway 12 on Hatteras Island and has indicated that conditions will soon allow for safe travel.

All Hatteras Island volunteer fire departments and emergency service personnel are working closely with Dare County Emergency Management to ensure that the necessary resources and infrastructure are in place in preparation for the arrival of visitors.

Based on current conditions, the Dare County Control Group has determined that visitors will be allowed access to the Villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon and Buxton beginning 7 a.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2016.

Previous restrictions remain in place for areas south of   Buxton Back Road and NC 12 (NC SR 1232 at Cape Hatteras Secondary School), including the villages of Frisco and Hatteras Village. Residents, non-resident property owners and non-resident employees of businesses with proper reentry passes will be allowed access.

It is important for visitors coming to unrestricted villages check with their rental company or accommodations provider to confirm reservations before traveling to the area since some properties were impacted and require repairs. Please be mindful that many residents and businesses of the island have suffered significant impacts and are in the process of recovering so your patience and understanding is truly appreciated.

Once the ferries from Hatteras Village to Ocracoke Island are operational, Hyde County officials have indicated there will be restricted access to Ocracoke Island. There will be no access for visitors to Ocracoke Island until further notice from Hyde County officials. Only those with proper identification as outlined by Hyde County will be allowed access to the ferry dock once ferries are up and running.

Please keep in mind that there is still sand and water on roadways and motorists should proceed with caution. Go slowly through standing water because creating wake will cause damage to vehicles and nearby properties.

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October 11, 2016 9:30  a.m.

The Dare County Control Group met this morning and has lifted all restrictions for areas of   Dare County north of Oregon Inlet, effective immediately. Restrictions remain in place for Hatteras Island.

Access North of Oregon Inlet

There are no restrictions currently in place for areas north of Oregon Inlet (Duck, Southern Shores, Martins Point, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Colington, Nags Head, Roanoke Island, and the Dare County mainland).

It is important for visitors to check with their rental company or accommodations provider to confirm reservations before traveling to the area since some homes were impacted and require repairs. There are also some areas still without power.

Please proceed with extreme caution in areas where there is sand, standing water on roadways and emergency crews are working. At the current time, crews are actively working on the causeway between Roanoke Island and Nags Head and on Dogwood Trail in Southern Shores.

Again, it is important to drive slowly through standing water because creating wake will   cause damage to vehicles and nearby properties. Power crews and NCDOT staff will be on   roadways working diligently to restore power and clear roads so please be courteous and patient to ensure their safety.

Restricted Access Remains for All Areas of Hatteras Island

Due to conditions that continue to exist on Hatteras Island, Priority Three Entry remains in effect for all areas of Hatteras Island. Access is limited to residents, non-resident property owners and non-resident employees of businesses with proper reentry passes.

Dare County Emergency Management and local officials will continue to monitor conditions on NC Highway 12 to determine when it is safe to allow entry for visitors. NCDOT crews are working to clear sand and water in the area between the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe. There are significant impacts in the villages of Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village that are also being addressed.

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Bulletin  #6
October 9, 2016 12:00 p.m.

Access is Restricted to Dare County and All Motorists Are Urged To Stay Off Roads

Due to greater impacts than anticipated from the storm, access to Dare County is restricted. By order of the Dare County Control Group, entry to Dare County for all areas of Dare County and for Currituck County’s Outer Banks will be permitted only for the following — — —

Priority One — Essential Personnel

Including essential utilities personnel, government personnel, medical personnel, and damage assessment personnel.

Priority Two — Permanent Residents & Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses

Permanent Residents of Dare County and Currituck County’s Outer Banks will be allowed reentry with a valid NC driver’s license with a local address or a current County property tax receipt. Non-resident essential personnel of critical businesses will be permitted reentry only with a permit.

Although flood waters are beginning to subside, Dare County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning. Be aware that dangerous conditions continue to exist, including downed trees and power lines, standing flood waters and tropical storm force winds. Everyone in Dare County should stay off roads and avoid travel. If you have moved your vehicle to higher ground, please let it remain there until the winds subside.

When conditions permit, personnel from Dare County and the Towns will assess the damage. Downed trees and power lines have been reported throughout the county and there are widespread power outages. Power companies are working to restore service as soon as possible. To report outages — —

Dominion North Carolina Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) or Dom.com

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative 1-866-511-9862

Tideland Electric 1-800-637-1079 or 252-943-3046

Town of Duck

Duck Public Safety urges residents to stay inside and off roadways.

Town of Kitty Hawk

The Town of Kitty Hawk currently has not experienced ocean over wash or sound side flooding. However, due to heavy rainfall many roadways and low lying areas are flooded. There is also debris in the roadways and widespread power outages. The Town is asking everyone in the area to remain indoors until conditions improve.

Town of Nags Head

The Town of Nags Head is asking people to stay inside their homes and off the roads as significant flooding and debris are making travel dangerous. Please remember that flood waters may contain hidden debris such as power lines and power poles.

Town of Southern Shores

Many streets in Southern Shores became flooded during the night due to storm water. Please do not attempt to drive on a flooded street if marked closed, if temporary traffic control devices have been placed, or until water has subsided.

Damaged trees and dangerous hanging limbs and branches pose a threat to persons driving or walking underneath. Southern Shores citizens are advised to stay off streets and roads until the storm has completely passed and the streets have been cleared.

In the aftermath of any storm which requires the removal of damaged or threatening trees from a private yard, before engaging any tree removal contractor please (1) ask for company contact information and confirm references, (2) ask for evidence of insurance, and (3) get several quotes from different companies. Please be wary of any “hard sale” or pressure techniques. It is recommended that any citizen discontinue dialogue if not comfortable.

National Park Service

The National Park Service reports that all visitor services and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial remain closed until further notice.

For Additional Information —

For updated information regarding the status of all roads and bridges in Dare County and across North Carolina, visit tims.ncdot.gov/tims or call 877-368-4968. For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12.

Residents and visitors can contact Dare County Emergency Management by calling 252.475.5655 or visiting www.darenc.com for updated information.

The next Bulletin will be issued as needed but no later than 7 p.m. Sunday.

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Bulletin #5
October 9, 2016   5:30 a.m.

The most recent forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that high winds reaching near hurricane force, significant flooding, and rain will continue through early Sunday evening and create dangerous conditions. Soundside flooding will continue until winds subside later today. Everyone is advised to remain indoors and do not attempt to drive until conditions improve.

Overnight, flooding has caused dangerous road conditions prompting the closure of roads throughout Dare County, including Highway 12 from the intersection at NC 1243 (Bodie Island) south to Rodanthe and portions of Highway 12 from Southern Shores to Duck. Other closures included portions of Gull Street in Nags Head, some roadways in downtown Manteo, and portions of Colington Road and Ocean Acres Drive in Kill Devil Hills.

For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12. For updated   information regarding the status of all roads and bridges in Dare County and across North Carolina, visittims.ncdot.gov/tims or call 877-368-4968.

To report power outages:     

Dominion North Carolina Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) or Dom.com

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative 1-866-511-9862

Tideland Electric 1-800-637-1079 or 252-943-3046

Residents and visitors can contact Dare County Emergency Management by calling 252.475.5655 or visitwww.darenc.com for updated information.

The next Bulletin will be issued by 11 a.m.

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Bulletin #4
October 8, 2016 4:00 p.m.

Conditions on the Outer Banks are expected to deteriorate throughout the remainder of the weekend.   Extremely heavy rains, high coastal water levels, storm surge and flooding will result in dangerous and life threatening conditions.   Everyone is advised to stay indoors and travel to the area should be postponed until conditions improve.

The National Weather Service predicts rainfall to intensify throughout the night and combine with tropical storm force winds that will continue through Sunday.   In the event winds exceed 50 mph, ambulance crews may not be able to respond to calls for help.

The forecast indicates that soundside flooding of up to 4 feet above ground is possible for areas prone to flooding, primarily on Hatteras Island.   The combination of storm surge and flooding from the ocean and the sounds will combine with heavy rains to cause conditions that should be taken seriously.

As conditions deteriorate, road closures and travel restrictions are anticipated in Dare County, particularly for portions of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island.

Dare County Emergency Management urges everyone to closely monitor the storm because any changes in the forecast can impact local conditions.   Due to the high threat of rip currents and rough seas, everyone is advised to stay out of the ocean.

National Park Service

The National Park Service reports that all visitor services and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial remain closed until further notice.

Town of Duck

The Town of Duck asks that residents and visitors  keep  trash and recycling bins  under, against or inside your house to prevent added debris on roadways (DO NOT LEAVE BINS ON CURB).

Town of Southern Shores

Citizens are encouraged to stay indoors, and extreme caution is urged if driving is absolutely necessary. Please avoid any areas on streets and highways that have a history of flooding. Be aware of the potential for sound-side flooding and ocean over-wash. Be prepared for possible power outages. In the case of high winds, please do not go outside and walk under tree canopies until winds subside and the storm has completely passed.

In the aftermath of any storm which requires the removal of damaged or threatening trees from a private yard, before engaging any tree removal contractor, please (1) ask for company contact information and confirm references, (2) ask for evidence of insurance, and (3) get several quotes from different companies. Please be wary of any “hard sale” or pressure techniques.

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative is ready to respond if Hurricane Matthew causes power outages on Hatteras Island this weekend.   CHEC crews stand ready with prepared equipment and vehicles. The Cooperative has also staged a bucket truck and line crew in Hatteras Village in case Highway 12 becomes impassable.   Hatteras Island residents and visitors should report all power outages to the Cooperative’s outage reporting number, 866-511-9862.   If necessary, updates will be posted to CHEC’s Facebook and Twitter pages and broadcast on Radio Hatteras, 99.9 FM and 101.5 FM.

Dominion North Carolina Power

Dominion is prepared for a potentially busy weekend and extra crews are working through the weekend.   Power Outages should be reported to Dom.com or 1-866-DOM-HELP
(1-866-366-4357)

Helpful Contact Information

Dominion North Carolina Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) or Dom.com

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative 1-866-511-9862

Tideland Electric 1-800-637-1079 or 252-943-3046

For Additional Information —

To receive email updates directly from Dare County Emergency Management, register online at www.darecountyem.comand follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

To stay up to date with the latest weather and traffic conditions in Dare County, download the free Ready NC App atwww.readync.org.

For information regarding the status of roads and bridges, visit tims.ncdot.gov/tims or call 877-368-4968.   For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12.

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

Residents and visitors can contact Dare County Emergency Management by calling 252.475.5655 or visitingwww.darenc.com for updated information.

The next Bulletin will be issued as needed, no later than Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.

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Bulletin #3
October 8, 2016 11:30 a.m.

Extremely heavy rains combined with high coastal water levels, storm surge and flooding are expected to cause dangerous and life threatening conditions this weekend on the Outer Banks.   The National Weather Service is highly discouraging travel across northeastern North Carolina this weekend.   Travel to the area should be postponed until conditions improve.

Rainfall is predicted to intensify throughout the day and combine with sustained winds up to 55 mph causing dangerous travel conditions through Sunday.   In the event winds exceed 50 mph, ambulance crews may not be able to respond to calls for help.

The National Weather Service indicates that soundside flooding of up to 4 feet above ground is possible for areas prone to flooding, primarily on Hatteras Island.   The combination of storm surge and flooding from the ocean and the sounds will combine with heavy rains to cause conditions that should be taken seriously.

As conditions deteriorate, road closures and travel restrictions are anticipated in Dare County, particularly for portions of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island.

Dare County Emergency Management urges everyone to closely monitor the storm because conditions could worsen and intensify based on the track of Hurricane Matthew.

All residents and visitors are advised to heed the following warnings —

• If you are in a low-lying area, or an area prone to flooding, relocate to higher ground. This is especially important for those with special medical needs.
• Residents in low-lying areas should take action to protect personal property by moving to higher ground.   This includes vehicles.
• Immediately complete your disaster preparedness kits and other safety preparations including securing all outdoor items such as trash cans and lawn furniture.
• Stay out of the ocean due to the high threat of rip currents and rough seas.
• Monitor trusted sources of information for life saving alerts. NOAA Weather Radio is an excellent resource for emergency alerts.

For information regarding road conditions and closures, visit tims.ncdot.gov/tims. For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12.

National Park Service

The National Park Service reports that all visitor services and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial remain closed until further notice.

For Additional Information —

To receive email updates directly from Dare County Emergency Management, register online at www.darecountyem.comand follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

To stay up to date with the latest weather and traffic conditions in Dare County, download the free Ready NC App atwww.readync.org.

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

Residents and visitors can contact Dare County Emergency Management by calling 252.475.5655 or visitingwww.darenc.com for updated information.

The next Bulletin will be released by 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2016

Bulletin #2
October 7, 2016 6:50 p.m.

The most recent forecast from the National Weather Service remains fairly consistent with the previous track, with a slight shift bringing the storm closer to our coast.   Dare County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning. The Storm Surge Watch has been extended further north along the oceanside and across portions of the southern Albemarle Sound. The combination of flooding from the ocean, sound and from heavy rains that is currently forecasted should be taken seriously.

The National Weather Service is highly discouraging travel across northeastern North Carolina this weekend.   As conditions deteriorate, road closures and travel restrictions are anticipated in Dare County, particularly for portions of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island.

Because of dangerous travel conditions, visitors scheduled to arrive this weekend are encouraged to postpone travel until conditions improve. For information regarding road conditions and closures, visit tims.ncdot.gov/tims. For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12.

The tropical storm force wind speeds forecasted for our area have increased slightly with the latest forecast and are expected to reach their peak Sunday morning. This leads to the potential for downed trees and power outages.

By 5:00 pm today, all visitor services and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed until further notice.

The Dare County Libraries will be closed on Saturday.

Dare County Emergency Management strongly urges all residents and visitors to heed the following warnings —

• If you are in a low lying area, or an area prone to flooding, relocate to higher ground. This is especially important for those with special medical needs.
• Residents in low lying areas should take action to protect personal property by moving to higher ground.   This includes vehicles.
• Complete your disaster preparedness kits and other safety preparations now.
• Stay out of the ocean due to the high threat of rip current.
• Monitor trusted sources of information for life saving alerts. NOAA Weather Radio is an excellent resource for emergency alerts.

To receive email updates directly from Dare County Emergency Management, register online at www.darecountyem.comand follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

To stay up to date with the latest weather and traffic conditions in Dare County, download the free Ready NC App atwww.readync.org.  

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

Residents and visitors can contact Dare County Emergency Management by calling 252.475.5655 or visitingwww.darenc.com for updated information.

The next update will be issued on Saturday morning.

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