3 to 5 feet of storm surge forecast, Mandatory evacuation for residents begins today
3 to 5 feet of storm surge from Cape Lookout to Duck and up to 10 inches of rain are now forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands from Hurricane Dorian, per the Wednesday morning briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.
Initial storm surge impacts will be along the oceanside and will occur as early as Thursday. The threat will transition north and to soundside areas as the storm moves through the Outer Banks. Storm surge estimates are fluid, and the public can keep track of any changes via the National Hurricane Center’s Storm Surge Inundation Map.
Expected arrival of tropical-storm-force winds has been pushed back in the latest briefing, and are now expected Thursday evening. Hatteras and Ocracoke islands remain under a hurricane watch, and a mandatory evacuation for residents on both islands began on Wednesday morning.
Per Dare County officials, there is currently unrestricted access to Dare County and there will be no restrictions through Wednesday to allow final preparations to be made.
Ocracoke Ferry Schedule
Final departures for Ocracoke Island ferries are as follows:
- The final departure from Ocracoke to Cedar Island will be Sept. 4 at 1 p.m.
- The final departure from Ocracoke to Hatteras will be Sept. 4 at 2 p.m.
- The final departure from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter will be Sept. 4 at 3:45 p.m.
- The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry has ended service for the 2019 season.
Evacuation Transportation Available for Hatteras Island Residents without Access to Vehicles
Transportation is available on Wednesday, September 4 to a shelter in Rocky Mount, N.C. for Dare County residents who do not have access to transportation. Individuals evacuating on the buses need to bring clothing and medications for seven days.
Shelters are available for dogs and cats. Owners can transport these pets on the buses. Pets are required to be in kennels. Owners need to bring their pet’s vaccination records with them.
The details are as follows:
- Bus will be at Cape Hatteras Elementary School from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- The bus will leave at 12:30 p.m.
Transportation to Cape Hatteras Elementary School is available from Dare County Transportation System until 9:30 a.m.
Current Forecast as of Wednesday Morning
Hurricane Dorian remains a dangerous hurricane and is expected to move across or just offshore of the area Thursday night into Friday night. There is still some uncertainty regarding the exact forecast track, but significant impacts are expected across Eastern North Carolina given that Dorian is a very large system which will bring impacts felt well away from the center.
Very high surf and large breaking waves will likely result in moderate to significant beach erosion and ocean overwash along the North Carolina coast Thursday and Friday. Overwash and sound side flooding will likely cause issues on Highway 12 on the Outer Banks Thursday night through Friday night. Vulnerable areas could experience erosion or overwash for multiple high tide cycles.
Hurricane Dorian will produce very heavy rainfall across Eastern North Carolina, with widespread flash flooding possible. 5 to 10 inches of rainfall is expected across the area, with localized higher amounts most likely along and east of US Hwy 17. These heavy rainfall amounts in a relative short period of time will likely produce flash flooding across eastern North Carolina Thursday through Friday evening
The strongest winds are expected late Thursday night into Friday evening. Tropical storm force winds could develop as early as Thursday, with winds peaking late Thursday night into Friday evening.
Hurricane force winds are possible for much of the area, but are most likely along the coast. Strong winds will have the ability to knock down trees, damage weak structures, and cause widespread power outages.
Isolated tornadoes are possible late Wednesday through Friday morning.
Very dangerous marine conditions are expected with seas 15 to 25 feet and higher. A high threat of rip currents will continue for all area beaches and it is advised to stay out of the water.
For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
