Storm

A tropical storm warning is in effect for eastern North Carolina. Maximum sustained winds should not be more than about 50 mph, although the center of Gabrielle is expected to be near Ocracoke Inlet around noon. Right now it is sunny with just a light breeze.

With the memory of hurricane Alex (and accompanying high tides) still relatively fresh in our minds, a few locals have already begun parking vehicles on higher ground, but there are no evacuations or other major preparations. High tide will occur about 7 pm. Forecasters are predicting a rapid transit of Gabrielle past the Outer Banks, so the storm should be well off shore by noon on Monday.

This month's newsletter is a story of Captain Joe Burrus, last Ocracoke lighthouse keeper before the beacon was electrified and automated. You can read it here.