Public Advisory # 10 & #11

I am publishing the latest advisories below. They have information about roads, ferries and re-entry passes. Please note the dates and times for each advisory.

Hyde County Emergency Services Department
www.hydecountync.gov
1223 Main St., PO Box
Swan Quarter NC 27885
(252) 926-4372 - Office
(252) 926-3901 - Fax
David Smitherman, Interim County Manager

Public Advisory #10
Date: Friday, September 03, 2010, 2 PM
Event: Hurricane Earl
Media Contact: #252-926-4368 (new number for public and media inquiries)

The mandatory evacuation has been lifted for Ocracoke. The county is still under a state of emergency for today, Friday, September 3.

A tropical storm warning is in effect from Ocracoke inlet to the North Carolina/Virginia border.
No major structural damage and no injuries reported. Highways are reported open throughout the county.

Full power has been restored to all of Hyde County.

Damage assessments began at daybreak in Hyde County will be released as reported. Water should recede late morning into the afternoon as conditions improve.

Significant swells will continue a high risk of strong rip currents through the day. People are urged to stay out of the water.

Pay attention to Highway 12 on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands as overwash may make the route impassable. Currently, Highway 12 on Ocracoke is clear to Hatteras ferry from village by 4WD vehicles only. Be aware of standing water and sand on the road. NCDOT plans to have Highway 12 open to all traffic this afternoon.

A ferry will leave today at 3 PM from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke and 3:30 PM from Cedar Island to Ocracoke. It is anticipated that there will be three ferries from Cedar Island and two from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke today. Traffic as indicated by purple and green stickers will be allowed on the island. Vehicles with red stickers will be allowed on as space available. The State Highway Patrol shall restrict access without appropriate credentials. Ferries are not available to tourists and visitors today.

The Hatteras-Ocracoke route is not operating currently. This will be subject to change as road and weather conditions allow. We will release information when this route opens.

It is anticipated that the NC Ferry System will resume normal operations on Saturday, September 4 at 5 AM. Tolls will be waived for residents with appropriate stickers subject to availability.

This is the only information available at this time. Please tune in to local radio 90.1 FM on Ocracoke, the National Weather Service, and local television reports.

Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property.

Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.
Please use the media contact phone number above for official reports on damage, road closings, and other inquiries.

Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist: Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers, Obtain medicine and prescriptions, Check and fuel vehicles and generators, Obtain cash, Make pet arrangements, Pick up loose items around the yard, Protect vulnerable portions of property, Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days (5+ recommended for Ocracoke), Obtain baby need or personal need items, Check battery powered electronics and generators, Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be replaced easily.

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Hyde County Emergency Services Department
www.hydecountync.gov
1223 Main St., PO Box
Swan Quarter NC 27885
(252) 926-4372 - Office
(252) 926-3901 - Fax
David Smitherman, Interim County Manager

Public Advisory #11: TRANSPORTATION/REENTRY INFORMATION
Date: Friday, September 03, 2010, 3:30 PM
Event: Hurricane Earl
Media Contact: #252-926-4368 (new number for public and media inquiries)

The mandatory evacuation has been lifted for Ocracoke. The NC Ferry System is in reentry mode for today and tomorrow.

We anticipate that all transportation services (air, marine, vehicular) will resume to normal operations on Saturday, September 4.

Reentry traffic as indicated by purple and green stickers will be allowed priority today. Vehicles with red stickers will be allowed as ferry space is available today. The State Highway Patrol shall restrict access without appropriate credentials. Ferries are not available to tourists and visitors today.

The Hatteras-Ocracoke route is not currently operating. This is subject to change as road and weather conditions allow. We will release information when this route opens.

It is anticipated that the NC Ferry System will resume normal operations and normal schedule on Saturday, September 4 at 5 AM. Tolls will be waived for residents with appropriate stickers subject to availability. Residents trying to return to Ocracoke on Saturday, September 4 should be in line for the ferry 30 minutes prior to departure.

Pay attention to Highway 12 on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands as overwash may make the route impassable. Currently, Highway 12 on Ocracoke is clear to Hatteras ferry from village by 4WD vehicles only. Be aware of standing water and sand on the road. NCDOT plans to have Highway 12 open to all traffic this afternoon.

The Ocracoke Airport is currently closed. Likewise, private marine traffic to Ocracoke is restricted today. They will both be open to traffic effective sunrise on Saturday, September 4.
Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.

Please use the media contact phone number above for official reports on damage, road closings, and other inquiries.