Ocracoke Still Under Evacuation

Mandatory Evacuation for Ocracoke Island still in place, county services open.

A mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island, NC is still in effect as the island continues to experience high water due to accumulation of heavy rainfall. Drivers should exercise caution as there is high water on several roads within the village. Hyde County government offices and all Hyde County solid waste convenience sites will continue to operate normally until further notice. 

Based on information from the National Weather Service, rainfall for Ocracoke is projected to taper off this afternoon. As the guidance track for Hurricane Joaquin continues to push the storm east into the Atlantic Ocean, tropical storm force winds are no longer expected for anywhere in eastern North Carolina. Seas are still expected to build to 15-20 feet on Saturday, October 3, 2015.   Effective with the mandatory evacuation, visitors will no long be able to travel to Ocracoke. Law enforcement will be stationed at each ferry terminal to allow only residents, property-owners, and vendors access to Ocracoke today, October 2, 2015. No inbound traffic will be allowed starting Saturday, October 3, 2015.

Under a mandatory evacuation all ferry routes servicing Ocracoke Island will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Reservations and priority status will not be honored. Tolls on the sound class ferries will also be temporarily removed. 

Flooding in Cedar Island, NC has forced the NC Ferry Division to suspend service between Ocracoke and Cedar Island until road conditions improve. NC Hwy 12 on Ocracoke is open, however there are areas of high water on the road north of the village. The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is operating normally. 

As a reminder, anyone who chooses to stay on Ocracoke for Hurricane Joaquin, does so at their own risk. Property owners and vendors entering Ocracoke today must realize there is a possibility they may not be able to get off the island if conditions continue to degrade.

An emergency general population shelter is located at the Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 South Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. The shelter has have showers and food available. Space for pets is also provided. Please be prepared with clothes, medication, and other necessities for several days. 

Any patients with advanced medical needs requiring special assistance should contact the Hyde County Health Department at (252) 926-4200.