Power

As most of our readers have probably heard by now, on Thursday morning the construction crew working on the new Oregon Inlet bridge severed the main electric transmission line serving Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

Ocracoke is now on intermittent generator power. Visitors from both islands have been (or are being) evacuated, and residents are being asked to conserve electricity by using only basic equipment (lights and refrigerators), and to keep air conditioning and water heaters off.

Islanders are coping. Amy, David, and I have a small generator that keeps our fridges cold and provides a few lights. Last night I decided to sleep on my back porch in my hammock. I even had enough breeze to be comfortable. Although it is overcast today, with a few sprinkles, I am hoping to get to the beach later.

There is no official word yet about when permanent power might be restored, but we are told it may be days or even a couple of weeks. Keep posted for more information as it becomes available.