Emergency Management Urges Public to Pay Attention and Plan as Florence Continues Tracking West

Dare County Emergency Management (DCEM) is closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Florence and is asking residents, property owners and visitors to keep an eye on the storm’s path over the weekend.  

As Florence continues to move west, rough surf and dangerous rip currents are expected beginning this weekend.  While it is too early to determine other potential impacts for the Outer Banks area, DCEM stresses that now is the time to prepare.

DCEM advises visitors and residents to ensure that their emergency kit is properly stocked and that their emergency plan, including possible evacuation, is ready to implement should protective actions become necessary. For preparedness tips and information, visit www.readync.org.

Per a Friday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office, Tropical Storm Florence is now situated over the central Atlantic, and will continue to move west-northwest through this weekend.

Florence is expected to strengthen again into a major hurricane, but there is much uncertainty as to where Florence will go after this weekend, and if any impacts will be felt along the North Carolina coast outside of rough surf and rip currents. If the storm does impact the Outer Banks, forecasters estimate that it would be around the middle of next week.

Dare County Emergency Management reports that they are receiving calls regarding reentry procedures and reminds non-resident property owners that permits with an April 1, 2018 expiration date remain valid through December 30. Permanent residents can use a valid driver’s license with a Dare County address for reentry, and a current tax bill or parcel data sheet with matching current government issued ID will also suffice. To review guidelines, visit www.darenc.com/reentry.

In addition, if you or someone you know has special medical needs and may need assistance during an emergency, please call the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, Social Services Division at 252.475.5500 to register for the Special Medical Needs registry. For more information, visit www.darenc.com/specialmedicalneeds.

For more info, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather forecast information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.