Tropical Storm Isaias Bulletin #7 | August 4, 2020
Bulletin #7
Tuesday, August 4
11:30 a.m.
Unrestricted Access to Hatteras Island Effective at 2:00 p.m. Today (Tuesday, August 4)
Initial Damage assessments have been completed for Hatteras Island and with limited impacts from the storm, there will be unrestricted access for residents and visitors beginning today, August 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Sand and water remain on some Hatteras Island roadways in low-lying areas prone to soundside flooding, particularly along Highway 12 south of the Etheridge Bridge. Expect delays and proceed with caution in these areas. Remember, driving through salt water causes damage to vehicles.
Also, check the weather forecast and road conditions for your travel route to the Outer Banks to ensure safety. For updated road conditions for North Carolina, visit www.drivenc.gov.
A prohibition for ocean swimming remains in effect for Hatteras Island.
This will be the final bulletin issued by the Dare County Emergency Management Joint Information Center for Tropical Storm Isaias.
Tropical Storm Isaias Bulletin #6 | August 4, 2020
Bulletin #6
Tuesday, August 4
10:00 a.m.
Initial Damage Assessments Underway; Announcement Regarding Reentry for Hatteras Island Anticipated Today (Tuesday)
Initial reports indicate that minimal damage occurred overnight as Isaias moved west of the Outer Banks. Scattered power outages are reported throughout the Outer Banks due to downed trees along with soundside flooding in some low-lying areas. While some soundside waters continue to rise, conditions will improve throughout the day as the storm moves away.
A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning remain in effect but are expected to be lifted today. For updated weather forecasts, including current watches and warnings, visit weather.gov/mhx.
Damage assessments began this morning and local officials will provide an update regarding reentry to Hatteras Island as soon as possible, once the assessment is completed.
A High Surf Advisory and Beach Hazards Statement are in effect and dangerous ocean conditions are expected to remain through the week. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water. The prohibition for swimming along beaches on Hatteras Island remains in effect.
Tropical Storm Isaias Bulletin #5 | August 3, 2020
Bulletin #5
Monday, August 3
5:30 p.m.
Make Final Preparations Prior to Onset of Storm Conditions
Tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the Outer Banks this evening and bring ocean and soundside flooding along with a chance of tornadoes. Now is the time to make final preparations. Secure all outdoor furnishings, trash cans and any loose items.
Ocean overwash of 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground is anticipated in vulnerable areas on Hatteras Island. Soundside flooding is expected in areas on the northern beaches that are impacted by southerly winds. Now is the time to move vehicles and other property in flood-prone areas to higher ground.
As weather conditions deteriorate overnight, avoid travel. Sand and water can quickly accumulate on roadways causing dangerous and impassable conditions.
With the risk of tornadoes for our area, be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Keep your cell phone charged and turned on before you go to sleep. Be sure your wireless emergency alerts are enabled. If you receive a tornado warning, take action - shelter on the lowest floor in an interior room or hallway away from windows. For more information, visit ready.gov/safety/tornado.
A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning remain in effect for our area and a High Surf Advisory will become effective early Tuesday morning. It is important to continue to monitor the local forecast. For updated watches and warnings from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/mhx. Follow them on Twitter @NWSMoreheadCity.
Soundside water levels can be monitored at https://fiman.nc.gov/.
Be sure to sign up to receive emergency alerts directly from Dare County Emergency Management, if you have not already done so. Remember to complete your profile by including both a home and business address so you can be reached with emergency information for specific geographic areas. Visit www.darenc.com/alerts
Weather conditions are expected to improve by Tuesday morning, as the storm moves past and heads to the north-northeast. Damage assessments will be made as soon as conditions allow during daylight hours and local officials will provide an update regarding reentry to Hatteras Island on Tuesday afternoon, once the assessment is completed.
Tropical Storm Isaias Bulletin #4 | August 3, 2020
Bulletin #4
Monday, August 3
12:00 p.m.
Dare County Will Experience Impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias; Complete Preparations Now
A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning are now in effect for Dare County until further notice. In addition, a Beach Hazards Statement has been issued and a High Surf Advisory will become effective early Tuesday morning. For updated information, including updated watches and warnings from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/mhx. Follow them on Twitter @NWSMoreheadCity.
The State of Emergency declaration remains in effect for Dare County and includes a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island.
Tropical Storm Isaias will bring impacts to Dare County and now is the time to complete preparations. Ocean conditions will worsen and tornadoes remain a possibility. Storm surge inundation may reach 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground. Secure outdoor items and move vehicles and property from flood prone areas especially in areas flooded by southerly winds and near vulnerable ocean dune structures on Hatteras Island. Soundside water levels can be monitored at https://fiman.nc.gov/. As conditions deteriorate overnight, it will be important to keep your cell phone charged and turned on with public safety alerts enabled.
Ocean conditions are extremely dangerous and will remain so over the next few days. Everyone should stay out of the water, even experienced swimmers. For updated beach forecasts, visit weather.gov/beach/.
Tropical Storm Isaias Bulletin #3 | August 2, 2020
Bulletin #3
Sunday, August 2, 2020
4:15 p.m.
Tropical Storm Watch Remains in Effect; Towns and County Provide Updated Information Regarding Services
As of 11 a.m. Sunday morning, a Tropical Storm Watch became effective for Dare County, indicating that tropical storm conditions are possible through Tuesday. The local State of Emergency declaration remains in effect along with a mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A), including the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
While many are disappointed that their vacation plans to Hatteras Island have been disrupted by Tropical Storm Isaias, it is important to understand that evacuation decisions are made in the interest of public health and safety. The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 3 feet of storm surge inundation which can cause significant ocean overwash along Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, the only means of egress for the island. As roads become covered with sand and water, it becomes difficult, sometimes impossible, for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service personnel to respond to calls for assistance in a timely manner. In recent years, storms with forecasts similar to Isaias have caused road closures and the loss of personal property. Safety of residents and visitors is our top priority.
While there are no evacuation orders in effect for the northern beaches (Hurricane Evacuation Zone B), including the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo, it is important for residents and visitors to closely watch updated forecasts and be prepared for impacts starting late Monday and into Tuesday. Expect soundside flooding in low lying areas impacted by southerly winds. In addition, there will be an increased threat for tornadoes.
Monitor updated local weather forecasts from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx.
Ocean conditions are extremely dangerous and will remain so over the next few days. Everyone should stay out of the water, even experienced swimmers. For updated beach forecasts, visit weather.gov/beach/.
Tropical Storm Isaias Bulletin #2 | August 2, 2020
Bulletin #2
Sunday, August 2, 2020
10:00 a.m.
No Additional Protective Measures Ordered at This Time; Mandatory Evacuation for Hatteras Island Remains in Effect
Local officials met Sunday morning to receive an update from the National Weather Service. Based on the current forecast, no additional protective measures are being implemented at this time. While an evacuation order is not anticipated, it is imperative for everyone to keep their guard up and pay close attention to updated weather forecasts from the National Weather Service because the Outer Banks will experience impacts.
Dare County remains under a State of Emergency with mandatory evacuation orders in effect for Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A), including the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. These orders will remain in place until after the storm passes due to the vulnerability of Highway 12 and the fact that it is the only road that provides access to and from the island. Some vulnerable spots along Highway 12 on Hatteras Island are already experiencing minor ocean overwash during periods of high tide.
As the storm tracks west of the Outer Banks and winds increase late Monday, storm surge inundation is expected to produce ocean overwash and soundside flooding of 1 to 2 feet above normally dry ground, and up to 3 feet in some areas.
Soundside Flooding
Water levels along the sound are already high in many places, particularly from Manteo to Kitty Hawk. Expect soundside flooding in low lying areas, at spots that are impacted by southerly winds. Make preparations for up to 3 feet of water above the ground in these areas. Real time soundside water levels can be observed at https://fiman.nc.gov/.
Ocean overwash
As already mentioned, ocean overwash is likely along Highway 12 on Hatteras Island and driving conditions will become hazardous in some areas. Conditions may impact the ability of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service personnel to reach those needing emergency assistance in a timely manner. Overwash will also flood normally dry areas where the dune system is vulnerable. This could lead to damage to parked vehicles and other property.
There is a high risk of rip currents and hazardous ocean conditions at all beaches over the next few days and conditions are dangerous for even the most experienced swimmers. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water and obey red flag warnings on the northern beaches. As part of the current state of emergency declaration that is in place, restrictions on ocean swimming remain in effect for Hatteras Island.
There is an increased threat for tornadoes in our area beginning late Monday and into Tuesday. Again, pay close attention to weather forecasts. Keep your cell phone charged and make sure it is set to receive emergency alerts. It is also a good idea to listen to NOAA Weather Radio to keep informed.
For updated information from Dare County Emergency Management and the Towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head Manteo, and the National Park Service, visit darenc.com/isaias.
For preparedness tips and information on hurricane evacuation zones, visit www.readync.org.
Subscribe to receive emergency alerts via text, email or phone directly from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareNC.com/alerts
Follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.
Monitor updated local weather forecasts from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx.
The next update will be issued no later than Sunday, August 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Hurricane Isaias Bulletin #1 | August 1, 2020
Hurricane Isaias
Bulletin #1
August 1, 2020
11:00 a.m.
Local State of Emergency Issued For All Areas of Dare County; Evacuation for Hatteras Island Visitors Begins Saturday at Noon
Local officials met via video conference Saturday morning to receive a briefing from the National Weather Service and to coordinate actions necessary to ensure public safety across Dare County. With confidence increasing that Dare County will see significant impacts from Hurricane Isaias, a state of emergency has been issued for Dare County.
As part of the emergency declaration, a mandatory evacuation has been ordered for Hatteras Island visitors beginning Saturday, August 1 at 12:00 p.m. The evacuation order is for Evacuation Zone A which covers all areas of Hatteras Island, including the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
Now is the time for all Hatteras Island visitors to make final preparations, secure property and evacuate with all personal belongings and follow instructions from their property management company.
A mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island residents and property owners becomes effective on Sunday, August 2 at 6:00 a.m.
Decision makers will meet again on Sunday morning, August 2 to receive an updated briefing from the National Weather Service and determine whether protective measures are necessary for Evacuation Zone B which covers areas north of Oregon Inlet, including the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, and all unincorporated areas including Roanoke Island and the Dare mainland. More information on evacuations zones can be found at https://knowyourzone.nc.gov/
Due to the forecast for life-threatening rip currents along the county’s southern beaches, the state of emergency includes restrictions on ocean swimming for Hatteras Island. Everyone on Hatteras Island must stay out of the water as it is unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers.
Those evacuating to areas north of Dare County are encouraged to travel westbound on Highway 64 to Interstate 95. Evacuating through the rural areas to the west of Dare County will help avoid traffic backups and congestion that may prolong evacuation by traveling northbound through the Hampton Roads portion of Virginia.
The next update will be issued no later than Sunday, August 2 at 12:00 p.m.
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Please note that if you decide to delay your travel, no refunds will be given for missed days unless an official evacuation order is in place and you also purchased travel insurance. Please visit https://redskyinsurance.com/ for any travel insurance related questions. Please call
Please refer to these sites for official hurricane details:
Dare County Website: https://www.darenc.com/home
For the National Hurricane Center visit: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
To track the hurricane including wind and rainfall visit: https://www.ventusky.com/
For local beach conditions visit: https://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx
For preparedness information visit: www.readync.org
Monitor local weather reports at: www.weather.gov/mhx
Sign up to receive alerts directly from Dare County Emergency Management at: www.darenc.com/alerts
Follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.
