4 PM, Monday, October 29, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory #5 from Hyde County Emergency Management
Flood waters remain on Ocracoke Island, but have receded from 18-24 inches down to 6-10 inches throughout the village. Thus far, power has been mainly uninterrupted. Several businesses are open and provisions – including hot meals, gas and groceries – are available for purchase.
No storm-related injuries have been reported and property damage looks to be minimal at this point. Because of limited access, Hyde County Emergency Personnel have not performed damage assessments. Staffers are making preparations to determine individual and public assistance needs as soon as conditions allow.
The United Methodist Disaster Recovery volunteers are ready to assist with cleanup efforts. Plans are in the works to mobilize a team when transportation allows. Those needing assistance can call Tommy Gilbert at (252) 542-9453.
Transportation remains limited on Ocracoke Island. At this point, there is no word on when ferry service will resume. Also, NC 12 has seen significant over wash on the north end of the island, so transportation could be further compromised for those on Ocracoke. Crews with NC DOT are currently working to repair the roadway.
Due to conditions, the Ocracoke Airport is closed and air traffic is limited to government, military and emergency aircraft only.
Ocracoke School was closed today. Officials will notify parents if the school is to be closed tomorrow.
Sandy's updated track shows increased strength and forward speed, so forecasters are confident that the system will be moving out of the area expediently. Storm force winds are predicted to cease by 8 p.m. Tuesday night. Flood waters may begin to recede further tomorrow, but additional flooding could take place during high tide cycles. High tide will occur tonight (Monday) around 8 p.m. and at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
The National Weather Service noted because Sandy is a hybrid system, accurate forecasts can be challenging and may vary as the system progresses.
Flood waters pose an additional danger to residents with private wells. According to Hyde County Health Director Wes Smith, those with private wells must take steps to disinfect water. Click here for specifics on decontaminating wells.
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Persons on Ocracoke Island should continue to monitor flooding and exercise caution. Rushing flood waters are extremely dangerous and debris from flooding will likely pose additional hazards.
In case of emergency, dial 911. For medical non-emergencies, call 928-SICK. Hyde County Emergency Responders will make every effort to respond to emergencies. Due to conditions, however, response may be delayed.
Please tune in to local radio WOVV 90.1 FM on Ocracoke Island, or via the internet at WOVV.org, or check the Hyde County Public Information Facebookpage for updates.
Hyde County Public Information
Hyde County Public Information Facebook Page
Hyde County Public Information Twitter Page
www.hydecountync.gov
Hyde County Emergency Management
(252) 928-4160, Emergency Operations Center
Mazie S. Smith, County Manager
msmith@hydecounty.gov
(252) 542-9283
Justin Gibbs, Hyde County Emergency Manager
justin.gibbs@hydecountync.gov
(252) 542-0806
Megan Shaw, Acting Public Information Officer
mshaw@hydecountync.gov
(252) 542-0842
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10:30 PM, Sunday, October 28, 2012
Hyde County Public Advisory #4
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With the northwest wind switch from Hurricane Sandy, Hyde County Emergency officials have observed a rise in flood waters on the island, as of 10 p.m. this evening. At this time, water levels appear to be higher than the 18-24 inches that inundated the island earlier today.
Currently, Ocracoke is experiencing light rain, with sustained winds from the north-northwest at 10-15 mph , gusting at 20+ mph. The temperature is 56 degrees. As of 5 p.m., water levels rapidly receded, dropping 4-6 inches. However, levels are steadily rising once again due to high tide and a change in the predominant wind direction. The National Weather Service predicted a sound side storm surge of 4-7 feet above ground.
Additional threats could be posed at the high tide cycle at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
Persons on Ocracoke Island should be aware waters may continue to rise and could encroach on low-lying properties. Please use caution during this time and remain indoors. Rushing flood waters are extremely dangerous and debris from flooding will likely pose additional hazards.
In case of emergency, dial 911. For medical non-emergencies, call 928-SICK.
Hyde County Emergency Responders will make every effort to respond to emergencies. Due to conditions, however, response may be delayed.
Please tune in to local radio WOVV 90.1 FM on Ocracoke Island, or via the internet at WOVV.org, or check the Hyde County Public Information Facebook page for updates.
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Ocracoke School is cancelled for Monday, October 29th. Ocracoke Child Care and Ocracoke Health Center will also be closed.
Reports around the island are of water, water everywhere, but we haven't heard of any significant damage to homes.
Topless Oyster Restaurant is open for business.
The tide receded for a bit, but is rushing back in. At this time, we believe that everyone has power (yay!)
Have a safe night everyone. We'll post more information and photos tomorrow.
1 PM Sunday, October 28, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory #3 from Hyde County
(Updates and photos are also being posted on Ocracoke Current's Facebook page.)
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Ocracoke Island is currently experiencing extreme sound side flooding, with some areas presently inundated with more than 18 inches of water. Several homes and businesses are threatened at this point. With an anticipated 45 hours left in the weather event, Hyde County Deputy Emergency Operation Center is active and resources are staged to respond to hazardous conditions and emergencies related to Hurricane Sandy.
As of the 11 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, the forecast track has been slightly shifted to the east and Sandy continues to move northeast at 14 mph. The eye of Sandy will pass about 230 miles away from Hyde County at its closest point.
The National Weather Service has upped the storm surge forecast to 4-7 feet above ground on the sound side of Ocracoke Island, with peak surge times to take place at the next high tide cycle on Monday morning. Ocean storm surge is predicted to be 2-4 feet above ground. Minor storm surges are projected for mainland Hyde County
High tides for today are 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. tomorrow.
Winds are not forecasted to let up over the next 24 hours, but they will slowly change to a northwesterly and westerly direction. Currently, sustained winds are projected at 40-55 mph for Ocracoke and Engelhard, with gusts up to 50-70 mph. Other areas of the mainland are seeing winds of 25-35 mph, gusting 40-55 mph. Rainfall accumulations are expected to be 1.25 to 4 inches on Ocracoke and .75 to 3 inches on the Mainland over the next five days.
Impacts are expected to decrease tomorrow afternoon into tomorrow night as the system pulls out of the area on Tuesday morning.
Ground service for Emergency Medical Service remains suspended, however resources are in place should citizens have acute medical needs. On Ocracoke, persons needing medical attention are directed to call 911 and will be asked to provide their own transportation to the EMS Station for on site treatment.
Transportation is extremely limited on the island. NC 12 / Irvin Garrish Highway is flooded with 18-24 inches of water in the village and at least 2 inches of moving water on the highway north of the village.
All ferry routes have been suspended, as of 2 p.m. Saturday.
Reports from Dare County indicate transportation on NC 12 on Hatteras Island has been compromised due to ocean over wash at several points on the road and the highway has been closed from the Oregon Inlet Bridge to Rodanthe.
Parts of Ocracoke village lost power this morning from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Tideland EMC has an unconfirmed report of a power pole down in the water. As a result, service may be suspended for repairs. Tideland has assured they will activate the generator on the island should service be interrupted.
Hot meals are available for purchase at Ocracoke Station and Topless Oyster.
Reports from mainland Hyde indicate little or no damage.
Please tune in to local radio WOVV 90.1 FM on Ocracoke Island, or via the internet at WOVV.org, or check the Hyde County Public Information Facebook page for updates.
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4 PM October 27, 2012
From Hyde County Emergency Management
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In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Hyde County Emergency Services has suspended ground transport of Emergency Medical Services. Unsafe travel conditions and ocean over wash on NC Highway 12/Irvin Garrish Highway on the northern end of Ocracoke Island warranted staffers at the Emergency Operations Center to make the decision. The Ocracoke Deputy EOC was activated at 8 a.m. this morning.
Travelers should be aware the N.C. Ferry Division has suspended service on all routes. There is no transportation on or off Ocracoke Island at this time.
There has been no evacuation order issued and Hyde County does not anticipate issuing evacuation orders at this time.
The updated track of Hurricane Sandy shows the system will remain a hurricane. Although it is not expected to make landfall in North Carolina, it is predicted to pass close enough - approximately 170 miles at its closest point to Ocracoke - to present hazardous conditions for people and property.
The National Weather Service has predicted sustained winds of 39+ MPH to begin at 2 p.m. today for Ocracoke. As of 3 p.m., winds in Ocracoke village were out of the northeast, clocked at approximately 25 mph with higher gusts. By early Sunday morning, Ocracoke Island and Engelhard will likely be exposed to 45+ MPH sustained winds that will continue through early Tuesday morning, with gusts of 60-70 mph. Sustained winds of 30-40 mph are forecasted for other areas of mainland Hyde County, with gusts of 40-50 mph.
The townships of Ocracoke and Engelhard should take additional precautions when the system is closest, which is predicted to be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday.
An estimated 4-6 inches of rainfall is predicted for the mainland and up to 8 inches will likely fall in Ocracoke over the next five days, localized amounts may exceed these predictions.
Coastal flooding remains a serious concern for Ocracoke, with a forecasted storm surge of 1-3 feet above the ground on the ocean side and a sound side storm surge of 3-5 feet above the ground; this is less of a concern for Mainland Hyde, which is projected to receive less than one foot of surge above the ground. Wave heights of 2-5 feet are forecasted in the Pamlico Sound and seas will build to 8-12 feet along the beaches. Storm surge will be higher during periods of high tide, which will occur at around 6 AM and 6 PM. Astronomical high tides due to lunar phases are not anticipated to pose any additional threat. As of high tide this morning, the waves reached the toe of the dune line along Ocracoke beaches. Evidence of ocean over wash is already apparent on the northern end of the island.
The National Park Service will close beaches close at 5 p.m. today, as well as the Visitor's Center and permit offices. The National Park Service Campground closed at noon.
If winds exceed 50 mph, Hyde County Emergency Operations will cease.
Hyde officials declared a State of Emergency as of 2 p.m. Friday, October 26 2012. This declaration places all county staff in a state of readiness and enables Hyde County to receive assistance from the State Office of Emergency Management should it be required. The declaration does not prohibit the sale of alcohol.
Please tune in to local radio WOVV 90.1 FM on Ocracoke Island, or via the internet at WOVV.org, or check the Hyde County Public Information Facebook page for updates.
Things to remember:
- Due to dangerous rip currents, swimmers are advised to stay out of water.
- The Hyde County Sheriff's office cautions drivers to be alert to changing road conditions.
- Persons with an acute medical emergency should call 911, where they will be advised to provide their own transportation to the EMS station (behind the medical center).
- Check generators to ensure they are working properly.
- Secure all outdoor furnishings, trash cans, and any loose items in preparation for a long period of winds and rain.
- Residents and guests in the area should move cars and equipment to higher ground without blocking roads, driveways or bridges. The National Park Service parking lot is available to Ocracoke visitors for this purpose. Boats, boat trailers, golf carts and propane tanks should be secured.
- If vehicles become inundated with water, disconnect the battery cables to prevent fire. Do not attempt to start the vehicle.
- People with special medical needs and unique situations are urged to consider their options. Hyde County public safety services will cease operations after winds reach 50 mph sustained.
- Hyde County EMS will provide portable generators for people with special medical needs in the event of a power outage.
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12 noon, October 27, 2012
Hatteras Ferry operations have been suspended due to high winds. More info here.
6 AM October 27, 2012
UPDATE: Click here to read the eastern NC threat assessment from the National Weather Service.
Hyde County Emergency Management
4 PM October 26, 2012
In anticipation of the possible effects of Hurricane Sandy, a State of Emergency has been declared for the Hyde County mainland and Ocracoke Island effective at 2 PM, Friday, October 26, 2012. This declaration places all county staff in a state of readiness and enables Hyde County to receive assistance from the State Office of Emergency Management should it be required.
No evacuation orders have been issued at this time for residents or visitors to Ocracoke/Hyde County, however travelers should be aware of the uncertainty of ferry operations once winds or conditions make it unsafe for the vessels to operate. The N.C. Ferry Division is currently operating on “alert” status.
Weather conditions will begin to deteriorate Saturday afternoon and worsen over the weekend, through Monday. The storm is expected to pass close enough to the Outer Banks to produce strong winds of 50 MPH+. Strong winds will lead to very rough surf, dangerous rip currents, ocean overwash and moderate coastal flooding both on the ocean and sound. Periods of heavy rain will also occur with as much as 5 inches possible along the coast.
The National Park Service will be patrolling the Ocracoke beaches to ensure public safety. Due to dangerous rip currents, swimmers are advised to stay out of water. The beaches will close at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th as will the Visitor’s Center and permit offices. The National Park Service Campground on Ocracoke is scheduled to close at noon tomorrow.
The Hyde County Sheriff’s office cautions drivers to be alert to changing road conditions. On Ocracoke Island, ocean overwash could make roads impassable, especially along NC 12. Motorists are urged not to drink and drive in these hazardous conditions.
In preparation for the storm, all outdoor furnishings, trash cans, and any loose items should be properly secured in preparation for a long period of winds and rain that could exceed 30 hours.
Residents and guests in the area should move cars and equipment to higher ground without blocking roads, driveways or bridges. The National Park Service parking lot is available to Ocracoke visitors for this purpose. Boats, boat trailers, golf carts and propane tanks should be secured.
People with special medical needs and unique situations are urged to consider their options. Hyde County public safety services will cease operations after winds reach 50 mph sustained.
Early voting that was scheduled to take place on Ocracoke Island has been cancelled. Voters can request absentee ballots until 5 P.M. on Monday, October 29th. Elderly, disabled or medically indisposed voters have one additional week to request a ballot, and can do so by calling the Elections Office in Swan Quarter at 926-5280.
The Ocracoke Pirate Festival, scheduled to take place this weekend, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled as soon as possible. The Down East Arts and Crafts Festival is still scheduled to take place in Swan Quarter.
Please tune in to local radio WOVV 90.1 FM on Ocracoke Island, or via the internet at WOVV.org, or check the Hyde County Public Information Facebook page for updates.
