Mandatory Evacuation Order Issued for Hatteras Island Visitors

Due to life safety issues from the loss of reliable electrical power on Hatteras Island and growing uncertainty as to when repairs to the main transmission line will be completed to enable restoration of full power to the island, a mandatory evacuation has been issued for all visitors to Hatteras Island, effective at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 29. This evacuation order includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras.

Residents, non-resident property owners, essential personnel, and non-resident employees of non-critical businesses will be allowed entry with proper reentry credentials.

This evacuation order does not include any areas north of Oregon Inlet. All areas north of Oregon Inlet remain open with no restrictions in place.

The state of emergency issued for Hatteras Island earlier today included the implementation of mandatory power conservation measures that will remain in place. All Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) customers must remove air conditioning systems and hot tub heaters from the power grid by turning off system circuit breakers. In addition, mandatory water restrictions have been issued prohibiting the filling of pools or hot tubs, the watering of lawns, and the watering of driveways or sidewalks for cleaning.  

Dare County Emergency Management will continue to work with Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative to help facilitate the restoration of power to levels that will allow visitors to return. At this time there is no estimate regarding the timeline for full restoration of services. Updates regarding reentry for visitors will be provided as information is available.

For more information visit www.darenc.com/hatteraspower