Mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors begins at noon today

Hurricane Isaias, Saturday, Aug. 1. [NOAA image]

Dare County officials have issued a mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors effective at noon today and 6 a.m. Sunday for residents and property owners.

Local officials met via video conference Saturday morning to receive a briefing from the National Weather Service and to coordinate actions necessary to ensure public safety across Dare County. With confidence increasing that Dare County will see significant impacts from Hurricane Isaias, a state of emergency has been issued for Dare County.

As part of the emergency declaration, a mandatory evacuation was issued for Hatteras Island visitors. The evacuation order is for Evacuation Zone A which covers all areas of Hatteras Island, including the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.

“Now is the time for all Hatteras Island visitors to make final preparations, secure property and evacuate with all personal belongings and follow instructions from their property management company,” the Dare County Control Group said in a news release.

A mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island residents and property owners becomes effective on Sunday, Aug, 2 at 6 a.m.

Decision makers will meet again on Sunday morning, August 2 to receive an updated briefing from the National Weather Service and determine whether protective measures are necessary for Evacuation Zone B which covers areas north of Oregon Inlet, including the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, and all unincorporated areas including Roanoke Island and the Dare mainland. More information on evacuations zones can be found at https://knowyourzone.nc.gov/

In Currituck County, officials say they will likely wait until Sunday morning before deciding on potential evacuations for Corolla and Carova beaches.

“This timeframe will allow us to receive more concrete information from the National Hurricane Center and make a more informed decision based upon Isaias’ progress,” county officials said in a news release. “However, an evacuation decision could be made sooner if there is a significant change in the storm’s track or intensity.”

Due to the forecast for life-threatening rip currents along the county’s southern beaches, the state of emergency includes restrictions on ocean swimming for Hatteras Island. Everyone on Hatteras Island must stay out of the water as it is unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers.

Those evacuating to areas north of Dare County are encouraged to travel westbound on Highway 64 to Interstate 95. Evacuating through the rural areas to the west of Dare County will help avoid traffic backups and congestion that may prolong evacuation by traveling northbound through the Hampton Roads portion of Virginia.

For preparedness tips and information, visit www.readync.org.

Please note that Dare County’s new online reentry permitting system is now in effect and only reentry permits for the current calendar year are valid. Residents may still use a valid driver’s license with a Dare County address for reentry. A current tax bill or parcel data sheet with matching current government issued ID will also suffice. To review guidelines or apply for a permit, visit www.darenc.com/reentry.

Subscribe to receive emergency alerts via text, email or phone directly from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareNC.com/alerts and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.

Monitor updated local weather forecasts from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx.

The next update will be issued no later than Sunday, August 2 at noon.

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Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com