When Hurricane Dorian struck I watched as tidewater poured over my fence, up onto my porch, and into my house. Shocked that the water had risen so high and so fast, I turned and saved the first things I saw...a small stack of VHS tapes!!! Then I stepped back onto my Persian rug. It was floating. Why hadn't I rolled it up and laid it across some chairs, I wondered. But it was too late.
For the next week I pondered how, or even if, I could save the rug. Then volunteers, a family who had been visiting Ocracoke for years, came to the rescue.
You can read the entire story of Hurricane Dorian and the Persian rug in our Ocracoke Newsletter: https://www.villagecraftsmen.com/hurricane-dorian-and-the-hunting-scene-persian-rug/.
Monday, November 04, 2019
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Dorian Update
Many friends and family members have called, emailed, and texted, concerned about me, Amy, David & Lachlan, and the Village Craftsmen. I have been too overwhelmed to reply individually, so I am posting this summary of the situation for them and any of our other readers.
On Friday, as tide water came rushing down the lane across from my house and from both directions on Lawton Lane, I watched, stunned, as the water steadily rose up my fence. When it breached the points on the palings I knew it was higher than in the '44 hurricane, the worst storm in living memory.
Water poured onto my pizer, then under the doors, and came bubbling up between the floor boards. Before it receded (probably in less than an hour...I can't remember), my house, Amy & David's, the Village Craftsmen, my brother's trailer, my office/laundry building, my workshop, and Amy & David's storage shed were all inundated with between 2 and 12 inches of water.
As heartbreaking as that was, many other islanders fared far worse. Tidewater rose 3 to 4, or more, feet in some houses, several people had to be rescued from attics and roofs where they had fled from the rising tide, and numerous businesses and public buildings, including the Methodist church (I haven't heard about the Assembly of God), the school, the health clinic, the post office, and the Variety Store had extensive damage. Some people lost everything to the rising water.
Fortunately, there were no deaths, and I have heard of no major injuries.
As I write, recovery efforts are underway with help from the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the US Army, numerous other state, county, federal, and charitable agencies, and friends and neighbors. The outpouring of love, concern, and financial, commodity & labor donations is emotionally overwhelming.
Municipal water was restored a couple of days ago, and electric power was turned on to some homes and businesses yesterday. I have electric (and hot water & A/C!!) but several circuits are disconnected. Amy & David only have generator power, and the Village Craftsmen only has power to the second floor. More than 350 homes and businesses had their meters removed because of flood water damage.
It will take, weeks, months, and maybe longer to fully recover from Hurricane Dorian. But Ocracoke islanders are resilient, and are determined to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Much more information about Hurricane Dorian and its impact on Ocracoke is aviailable on the internet, including Village Craftsmen's Facebook page, the Ocracoke Current, and the Ocracoke Observer. There you will also find information about making donations for hurricane relief efforts. The Outer Banks Community Foundation is one of the best.
Heartfelt thanks to all of our family and friends who have been so concerned about us. We are survivors.
On Friday, as tide water came rushing down the lane across from my house and from both directions on Lawton Lane, I watched, stunned, as the water steadily rose up my fence. When it breached the points on the palings I knew it was higher than in the '44 hurricane, the worst storm in living memory.
Water poured onto my pizer, then under the doors, and came bubbling up between the floor boards. Before it receded (probably in less than an hour...I can't remember), my house, Amy & David's, the Village Craftsmen, my brother's trailer, my office/laundry building, my workshop, and Amy & David's storage shed were all inundated with between 2 and 12 inches of water.
As heartbreaking as that was, many other islanders fared far worse. Tidewater rose 3 to 4, or more, feet in some houses, several people had to be rescued from attics and roofs where they had fled from the rising tide, and numerous businesses and public buildings, including the Methodist church (I haven't heard about the Assembly of God), the school, the health clinic, the post office, and the Variety Store had extensive damage. Some people lost everything to the rising water.
Fortunately, there were no deaths, and I have heard of no major injuries.
As I write, recovery efforts are underway with help from the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the US Army, numerous other state, county, federal, and charitable agencies, and friends and neighbors. The outpouring of love, concern, and financial, commodity & labor donations is emotionally overwhelming.
Municipal water was restored a couple of days ago, and electric power was turned on to some homes and businesses yesterday. I have electric (and hot water & A/C!!) but several circuits are disconnected. Amy & David only have generator power, and the Village Craftsmen only has power to the second floor. More than 350 homes and businesses had their meters removed because of flood water damage.
It will take, weeks, months, and maybe longer to fully recover from Hurricane Dorian. But Ocracoke islanders are resilient, and are determined to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Much more information about Hurricane Dorian and its impact on Ocracoke is aviailable on the internet, including Village Craftsmen's Facebook page, the Ocracoke Current, and the Ocracoke Observer. There you will also find information about making donations for hurricane relief efforts. The Outer Banks Community Foundation is one of the best.
Heartfelt thanks to all of our family and friends who have been so concerned about us. We are survivors.
Friday, September 06, 2019
7:58
Wind has definitely shifted. Coming from the N now. No tidal flooding yet on Lawton Lane, but getting reports of flooding elsewhere.
7:40
Wind still getting stronger. Maybe 45-50 mph. No tidal flooding on Lawton Lane. But lots of standing rain water.
7:05
Looks like the eye of the storm is just south of Ocracoke village. I've heard reports of some tidal flooding, but none in my neighborhood yet.
6:30 Report
Woke up at 6:15 to howling wind. According to wunderground.com it's blowing 55 mph with gusts over 80 mph. Power went out right after I got up. Dorian has turned, and the projected track of the storm is now just west of Ocracoke, up Pamlico Sound!
Thursday, September 05, 2019
Dorian...8:45 pm
Dorian seems to be moving forward more slowly than anticipated. The eye of the storm is expected to arrive about 8 am tomorrow morning. Right now the wind is blowing about 20 mph with intermittent rain. No power outages yet.
For the last few days island captains have been taking their boats out of the water or tying them securely to docks and piers.
Everyone on the island seems to be well prepared for Dorian. We are hoping for the best throughout the night and early in the morning.
For the last few days island captains have been taking their boats out of the water or tying them securely to docks and piers.
Everyone on the island seems to be well prepared for Dorian. We are hoping for the best throughout the night and early in the morning.
Hurricane Dorian Press Release #7
Hyde County, NC
Press Release: September 5, 2019 6:30pm
Donnie Shumate
Public Information Officer
dshumate@hydecountync.gov
(252) 542-0083
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
| Hurricane Dorian Press Release #7 |
Hyde County is currently under a hurricane and storm surge
warning. A mandatory evacuation of all Hyde County residents is in
effect. A curfew remains in place for Ocracoke Island from 10:00 pm to
6:00 am. A countywide ban on alcohol sales will remain in place until
the order is lifted.
The forecast has not changed much since yesterday.
Hurricane Dorian is a still a strong category 2 hurricane with maximum
sustained winds of 105 mph. Hyde County is expecting sustained winds of
80-90 mph with gusts over 100 mph. Rainfall totals are predicted to be
between 8-10 inches with localized areas of up to 15 inches. Flash
flooding is very likely during this event. Do not attempt to drive
through areas with flooding. Storm surge levels could range between 3-6
feet above ground level. Water levels will rise very rapidly on the
sounds, particularly soundside Outer Banks, as the storm passes.
Tropical
storm force conditions are expected to arrive around 7:00 pm this
evening and continuing through Friday afternoon. Hurricane force
conditions are forecasted to begin around 5:00 am Friday morning lasting
several hours. Multiple tornadoes in the outer bands of the storm have
already impacted eastern NC. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive
emergency weather alerts.
Based on the
current forecast, Tideland EMC anticipates widespread power outages with
restoration activities lasting several days or longer. Tideland line
crews will be joined by eighty-one additional personnel from Virginia,
South Carolina, and Maryland as well as in-state crews. The extra
personnel have been pre-staged in area hotels and consist of line
workers and tree removal crews, nearly tripling Tideland's existing
repair workforce. Tideland members should report power outages by
calling 1-800-882-1001 or by texting OUT to short code 85700.
The Hyde County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain operational throughout the duration of this storm and the recovery process. If you have any concerns or need assistance call the EOC at 252-926-3715. If you have an emergency call 911. Continue monitoring our social media outlets and website www.hydecountync.gov for updates.
Hurricane Dorian Press Release #6
Hyde County, NC
Press Release: September 4, 2019 7:00pm
Donnie Shumate
Public Information Officer
dshumate@hydecountync.gov
(252) 542-0083
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
| Hurricane Dorian Press Release #6 |
Hyde County is currently under a hurricane and storm surge
warning. A mandatory evacuation of all Hyde County residents is active
as of Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 5:00 am. A curfew will go into
effect for Ocracoke Island from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am starting tonight,
Wednesday, September 4, 2019, until lifted. A ban on alcohol sales
started on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 4:00 pm for Ocracoke and will
begin on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 4:00 pm for the mainland.
Hurricane Dorian is a strong category 2 hurricane with
maximum sustained winds of 110 mph as of the 5:00 pm update. Hyde County
is currently expecting sustained winds of 80-90mph with gusts over
100mph. Rainfall totals are predicted to be between 8-10 inches with
localized areas of up to 15 inches. Storm surge levels could range
between 3-6 feet. Tropical conditions are forecasted to begin Thursday
night and continue into Friday.
The general
population shelter for evacuees from Hyde County is located at
Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center, 9536 NC Hwy 305,
Jackson, NC 27845. The shelter is open and accepting evacuees as of
noon on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Pets are allowed at this shelter.
Please bring vaccination records, food, and a kennel if you are
traveling with your pets. Anyone with special medical needs that need to
evacuate should contact the EOC at 252-926-3715 for guidance. If you do
not comply with the evacuation order, please be aware that emergency
services may not be available to you after tropical storm force winds
begin.
Hyde Transit will be assisting those
who need aid with evacuation transportation. For details of the transit
schedule see Hyde County Press Release #5 or visit our Hurricane and
Flood webpage at www.hydecountync.gov. If you have questions about transportation assistance, please call Hyde Transit at 252-926-1637. For the last transportation assistance departure, please call Hyde Transit by noon on Thursday, September 5, 2019.
The Hyde County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now activated and will remain operational throughout the duration of this storm. If you have any concerns or need assistance call the EOC at 252-926-3715. If you have an emergency call 911. Continue monitoring our social media outlets and website www.hydecountync.gov for updates.
Wednesday, September 04, 2019
Hurricane Dorian Press Release #5
Hyde County, NC
Press Release: September 4, 2019 10:00am
Donnie Shumate
Public Information Officer
dshumate@hydecountync.gov
(252) 542-0083
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
| Hurricane Dorian Press Release #5 |
The general population shelter for evacuees from Hyde County
is located at Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center, 9536 NC
Hwy 305, Jackson, NC 27845. The shelter will be open and accepting
evacuees at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Pets are allowed at
this shelter. Please bring vaccination records and a kennel if you are
traveling with your pets.
Anyone with special medical needs that need to evacuate should contact the EOC at 252-926-3715 for guidance.
Hyde Transit will be assisting those who need aid with evacuation transportation. Please arrive at the designated stop at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The transportation schedule is as follows:
Evacuation Route 1 - Thursday, September 5, 2019
10:00 am - Departs Davis Ventures
10:30 am - Departs Mattamuskeet High School
11:00 am - Departs O.A. Peay School
11:30 am - Departs Scranton Post Office
12:00 pm - Departs Mount Olive Church
Evacuation Route 2 - Thursday, September 5, 2019
2:00 pm - Departs Davis Ventures
2:30 pm - Departs Mattamuskeet High School
3:00 pm - Departs O.A. Peay School
3:30 pm - Departs Scranton Post Office
4:00 pm - Departs Mount Olive Church
If you have questions about transportation assistance, please call Hyde Transit at 252-926-1637. For the last transportation assistance departure, please call Hyde Transit by noon on Thursday, September 5, 2019.
The
Hyde County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now activated and will
remain operational throughout the duration of this storm. If you have
any concerns or need assistance call the EOC at 252-926-3715. If you
have an emergency call 911.
Hurricane Prep
Most folks who are staying on the island have completed their hurricane preparations. Cars are beginning to appear on every piece of high(er) ground.
As someone said a couple of days ago, "Waiting for a hurricane is like being stalked by a turtle."
As someone said a couple of days ago, "Waiting for a hurricane is like being stalked by a turtle."
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