A storm surge watch has been issued for Dare County for potential life-threatening inundation from Tropical Storm Isaias.
A storm surge watch means rising water moving inland from the coastline is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours. Locations affected include Kitty Hawk, Nags Head and Manteo.
The National Weather Service this evening is issuing hurricane statements for eastern North Carolina, with the latest wind predictions from 35-45 mph with sustained gusts up to 60 mph.
There is potential for wind 58 to 73 mph, forecasters said.
A local state of emergency remains in effect for Dare County, with the possibility of serious ocean overwash from storm surge, as well as soundside flooding when Tropical Storm Isaias reaches the Outer Banks.
A mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A), also remains in effect, including the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
“While many are disappointed that their vacation plans to Hatteras Island have been disrupted by Tropical Storm Isaias, it is important to understand that evacuation decisions are made in the interest of public health and safety,” county officials said.
The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 3 feet of storm surge inundation which can cause significant ocean overwash along Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, the only means of egress for the island. As roads become covered with sand and water, it becomes difficult, sometimes impossible, for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service personnel to respond to calls for assistance in a timely manner. In recent years, storms with forecasts similar to Isaias have caused road closures and the loss of personal property. Safety of residents and visitors is our top priority.
While ocean overwash is getting much of the attention, soundside storm surge could be a serious concern from Hatteras Island to the Virginia border along the Outer Banks and inland areas.
Water levels along the sounds are already high in many places, particularly from Manteo to Kitty Hawk, due to the persistent southerly winds of the past several weeks.
And with the center of Tropical Storm Isaias projected travel to our west, northeastern N.C. and the Outer Banks will likely see mainly winds from the south for the duration of the storm’s passage.
The latest storm surge models from UNC Chapel Hill’s from https://cera.coastalrisk.live/ are showing water rises of between one and three feet above ground at during the storm’s peak on Tuesday in areas that are most prone to flooding during strong southerly winds.
Latest storm surge model data from https://t.co/mVRraOPeLz for #OBX/NENC: pic.twitter.com/Ei7NfS5yLI
— Sam Walker OBX Today🎙📻📰 (@SamWalkerOBX) August 2, 2020
While there are no evacuation orders in effect for the northern beaches (Hurricane Evacuation Zone B), including the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo, it is important for residents and visitors to closely watch updated forecasts and be prepared for impacts starting late Monday and into Tuesday.
In addition to those threats, there will be an increased threat for tornadoes.
County officials remind folks that ocean conditions are extremely dangerous and will remain so over the next few days. Everyone should stay out of the water, even experienced swimmers. For updated beach forecasts, visit weather.gov/beach/.
Town of Duck
Trash and recycling collection will begin earlier on Monday morning to ensure completion before possible arrival of storm conditions. Please secure your cans as soon as possible after they are emptied.
Town of Kitty Hawk
The Town of Kitty Hawk continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Isaias and Town staff are working to prepare for the storm. The Town encourages you to make your final preparations to ensure the safety of your property, loved ones and pets.
At this time, Trash Collection will follow a regular pick-up schedule on Monday. After the collection has been completed, please make every effort to roll-in and secure your trash bin.
The Mayor does expect 1-2 feet of sound side flooding; the sound waters are already at a high level and are being kept in place by southerly winds. The wind direction from this storm is expected to continue pushing the water level upward, not down.
Low lying areas of Kitty Hawk Village are also expected to experience some level of flooding. This should be short lived due to the anticipated speed of the storm passing through.
While there is no evacuation ordered, individuals should be responsible for preparations to prevent flood damage to vehicles, other property and ensure the safety of family members.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
All Kill Devil Hills’ offices will continue to operate on a normal schedule. However, due to COVID-19, Town offices are accessible by appointment only. If you have business with the Town call, email, or visit our website for assistance.
At this time, there are no changes to this week’s refuse collection schedule. If a change in the refuse collection schedule is necessary, the Town will provide updates via email, our website, and our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Please heed the warnings from local officials and take precautions to ensure your safety and the protection of your property. Secure all refuse containers on your property and be sure to tie down or bring inside any unsecured lawn items.
Sign up to receive emergency alert notifications from Kill Devil Hills and Dare County. The emergency alert system allows subscribers to receive text, email, or a phone call in the event an emergency situation develops that could impact them. Sign up here: www.kdhnc.com/772 or www.darenc.com/emergencyalerts
We encourage you to visit and follow the Town’s website: www.kdhnc.com/438/News and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/townofkdh for the latest storm briefings and for updated information on changes in Kill Devil Hills’ regular services schedule.
Town of Nags Head
At this time, all Town of Nags Head offices will operate on their normal schedules.
Attention red and green sanitation routes – Tropical Storm Isaias Trash Collection Schedule Change – Because Isaias is forecasted to begin impacting our area late Monday night and early Tuesday, August 4, 2020, trash collection on Nags Head’s red and green sanitation routes, which normally occurs on Tuesdays, will take place this week on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. For more information on Nags Head’s sanitation routes, including a map, visit nagsheadnc.gov/sanitation.
Please secure outside equipment and furniture due to the potential for tropical storm force winds. Also, if you are in an area prone to soundside flooding, please move vehicles and equipment to higher ground.
Because of forecasted southerly winds, flooding may impact the Nags Head to Manteo causeway/US 64. Don’t drive through floodwaters. When water rushes over a street, it can hide dips, debris, and pavement that has been washed away. In addition, just six inches of water can flood your car’s exhaust, leaving you immobile.
Town of Manteo
The latest update from the National Weather Service has downgraded Hurricane Isaias to a tropical storm. However, forecasters have high confidence that we will still receive some impacts, such as wind, dangerous marine conditions and an increased threat of tornadoes. Another potential impact from the storm includes minor sound side flooding in low lying areas due to storm surge producing 1 to 2 feet of water, possibly 3 feet. Real time sound side water levels can be observed at https://fiman.nc.gov/.
The sanitation service for the Town of Manteo will remain as scheduled for this week. In addition, Public Works will make a sweep for the bulky items as well. Please make sure to secure your roll cart and any other outside items before the winds from Tropical Storm Isaias impact our area.
Even though the storm is forecasted to have less impact, it is still coming close to our area, and it is imperative for everyone to stay prepared and informed. Please continue to get the latest updates from the National Weather Service and Dare County. Listen to these same updates on NOAA Weather Radio. Don’t forget to keep those cell phones charged!
National Park Service
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: All facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are closed. To view the most up-to-date information and conditions for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, go to: https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/operational-status-report.htm.
Wright Brothers National Memorial: Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed starting Monday, August 3. The park will reopen after post-storm assessments are completed. To view the most up-to-date information and conditions for Wright Brothers National Memorial, go to: https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/planyourvisit/operational-status-report.htm.
Dare County
Dare County offices north of Oregon Inlet will operate on their normal schedule on Monday; however, County offices on Hatteras Island will be closed.
Residential trash collection scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 in the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, and Avon will now occur during early morning hours on Monday, August 3. Please place your cans curbside tonight and then secure cans following collection.
Commercial trash collection for all areas of Hatteras Island remain on schedule for Monday, August 3.
The Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 9:00 a.m. is cancelled. All business scheduled for August 3 will be included as part of the Board’s next meeting on Monday, August 17 at 5:00 p.m.
The next update will be issued no later than Monday, August 3 at 12:00 p.m.