It Could've Been Much Worse
Ocracoke residents woke up this morning hoping to see a significant change in the water level. From what I can gather from observation out my window, scrolling through social media, and having casual conversations is that the water has gone down a little, but not a lot. Our streets are still canals, and most businesses remain closed. The ferries aren't running, Hwy. 12 is flooded north of the Pony Pens, and it's still a bit breezy out there.
But hey! we're all here, we've got power and water and internet and landlines and cell service, so, as inconvenient as all that water is, we know we were lucky this time. I have not heard of any significant damage to anyone's home or property.
Ocracoke School will be closed Tuesday, October 6th. UPDATE: We just got the word that school will be cancelled for Wednesday, as well. It ain't over yet, moms!
UPDATE: Hyde County offices and services, including the dump, will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The commissioners' meeting is moved to Oct. 12th at 6pm at the Ocracoke School commons.
UPDATE: Yadkin Bank will open Wednesday at 10am.
NCDOT sums up the situation: "Ocracoke: No ocean over wash at last high tide. Much of the protective measures crews placed along N.C. 12 areas held. The whole village is under varying depths of sound water and tide is very high. Standing water on N.C. 12 from the village to Ferry Dock is between four inches and one foot. Almost every secondary road has high standing water. Crews will continue N.C. 12 protection efforts. Ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke will not operate due to flooding conditions of N.C. 12 on Ocracoke. N.C. 12 remains closed due to high water. Conditions will be reevaluated tomorrow."
Melissa Sharber of the Post Office is wading to work today. She reports that she's not sure yet if we'll get mail (we didn't yesterday), but she'll let me know. We got mail on Saturday, courtesy of the USGC (see photos), who brought it down from Hatteras. Thanks, Coasties!
As of this writing, the Variety Store is open. Owner Tommy Hutcherson is singing "Yes, we have no bananas!" Just kidding about the singing, but he did tell me that they are fully stocked with everything you need, except bananas. It's the great banana shortage of 2015. But there's plenty of beer and wine, so I think we'll make it through.
The liquor store is closed, but that was predictable, so if you didn't stock up before the storm, you've got only yourself to blame.
The Current has fielded lots of questions on our Facebook page (which we update more frequently, so you should "like it) about the wild pony herd. I'm happy to report that the ponies came through yesterday's wind, rain, and tide just fine. The Current got the update from their NPS caretaker, Laura Michaels. Crystal's going to follow up with a full article about how the ponies are cared for in extreme weather after this extreme weather passes. Thanks for your concern for the ponies!
UPDATE: The Hyde County advisory won't be out until 1:30 or 2pm today because they are still assessing the situation. Visitor access is still restricted until further notice (another update should come from the county by noon today), but that's a moot point since the ferries aren't running anyway.
UPDATE: If all goes as planned, Dajio will open Thursday at 5:00pm for dinner. Hours for rest of season will be: Lunch-Dinner 11:00am-9:00pm (no breakfast) Closed Mondays. Pizza will continue to be open from 5:00-10:00pm Also Tuesday-Saturday.
UPDATE: Ocracoke Coffee Company has been open every morning at 7am. Thanks, Ry-Guy! He hasn't stayed open long, so if you want your caffeine fix, go early!
UPDATE: Thai Moon will be open Wednesday – Friday, 12 noon – 8pm this week. They will be closed October 10th–28th, and reopen on October 29th.
UPDATE: Jason's Restaurant plans to open for normal hours on Thursday!
UPDATE: The Community Store will be open Wednesday at 10am, and then back to 8am to 7pm.
UPDATE: Graceful Bakery will be open Friday! Fall hours are 7am to 12pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Ocracoke businesses, please post below or email ocracokecurrent@gmail.com if you are going to be open today, or when you expect to open (tomorrow?) and I will update this story.
Take care, everyone! And thanks for reading the Current!
