HURRICANE MATTHEW ADVISORY #6

As most of our readers know by now, Hurricane Matthew has been a disaster for Haiti, and has battered the coast of Florida. As of this writing (12:50 am Saturday morning) Georgia and South Carolina residents are now bracing for Matthew. Ocracoke Islanders are expecting windy conditions this weekend, along with high tides and a possible storm surge. The Ferry Division has begun suspending ferry operations (see below for more information).  In the village, boats have been secured, cars & golf carts parked on higher land, and businesses boarded up.  Removing Sails from the Wilma Lee Vehicles along NC12 1718 Brew Pub    Below is the latest Advisory from Hyde County: HYDE COUNTY, NC EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTICE Friday, October 7, 2016 - 6:00 p.m. HURRICANE MATTHEW ADVISORY #6 October 7, 2016 @ 6 p.m. Matthew's Track has Shifted Closer to NC and the NCDOT Ferry Division Begins Suspending Routes At 2 p.m., the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division released the following: Due to the approach of Hurricane Matthew, the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division will suspend operations to and from Ocracoke after the 4 p.m. departure from Ocracoke to Cedar Island on Friday, October 7, 2016. The final run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter departed at 1:30 p.m. Ferry officials anticipate suspending operations on the Ocracoke-Hatteras route sometime Saturday morning. "The time has come to secure our boats and get our crews out of harm's way," said Ferry Division Deputy Director Jed Dixon. "Anyone still wishing to leave Ocracoke Island before Hurricane Matthew arrives should do so immediately." Hyde County officials, standing with our partners at the NCDOT Ferry Division, would like to emphasize the importance of departing Ocracoke Island as early as possible. If you are a resident or non-resident property owner and you are considering evacuating before Matthew arrives, the time to act is now. Deteriorating weather conditions through the day today and into tomorrow could preemptively suspend departure routes. Significant rainfall events over the past several months have resulted in abnormally high water levels in the Pamlico Sound and the current rainfall could impact the Ferry Division's ability to dock their vessels long before the onset of tropical storm force winds. Even though residents and non-resident property owners, vendors and critical infrastructure providers will be permitted to travel to and from the island until ferry service is suspended, the recent changes in the forecast track have expedited protective measures and the period to safely access the island has passed. The NCDOT Ferry Division and Hyde County officials will be evaluating the forecast to determine when the last Ocracoke-Hatteras ferry departure will occur. The County of Hyde and the North Carolina Department of Transportation will work together to expeditiously restore visitor access to Ocracoke Island as the conditions permit. The threat of dangerous and life threatening conditions have increased with the most recent track update and we urge continued caution across our County. Based on the current official forecast, the most likely impacts for Eastern NC will be: Six (6) to twelve (12) inches of rainfall with localized amounts up to fifteen (15) inches. Dangerous flood levels from flash flooding and storm surge combined. Significant inundation of water that could result in three (3) feet or more across low lying roadways, homes, and other buildings. Areas accessible by low lying roads being cut off. Higher winds that have resulted in the issuance of Tropical Storm Warnings for Eastern North Carolina. An increased potential for downed trees and numerous power outages. We are hopeful the most significant impacts are not realized in Eastern NC, however it is too early to completely let our guard down. It is still within the margin of error for the storm to pass closer to the coast which would increase the impacts across coastal areas and inland. Closely monitor the forecast for Matthew and be alert to additional forecast track changes that could increase the dangerous impacts felt across the County. Be prepared to take action to protect yourself and your property if needed. Please be advised, flood waters may contain sewage and other harmful contaminants. Keep children and pets out of flood waters. Please maintain awareness and monitor for further updates from Hyde County Public Information. ### Teresa Adams Public Information Officer (252)542-0842 tadams@hydecountync.gov