Sorry, peeps, it's time to go.

The mandatory evacuation will apply to residents as of 5am Thursday. The ferries plan to run until midnight Thursday night. It's true that a mandatory evacuation does not mean that residents have to leave the island. But if you choose to stay, you stay at your own risk. You're on your own.

The Ocracoke Emergency Management control group met at 5pm today, and the Hyde County board of commissioners voted at the meeting to approve the evacuation order.

The control group is made up of county employees and county commissioners along with representatives from NPS, the ferries, the water plant, OVFD, electric and gas utilities, the school, the health center, EMS services, the deputies, and members of the business community. 

The county will issue a press release with more information soon. 

The Current will post updates as we get them about local businesses:

Ocracoke Child Care will be closed on Thursday and Friday, and parents will be notified on Sunday about opening Monday.

Ocracoke Oyster Company is open Wednesday with Trivia Night starting at 7pm!

Jason's Restaurant will be open on Wednesday Oct 5th, closing at 7pm (order early!) so everyone can go to Trivia Night at the Oyster Co. They'll be closed on Thursday the 6th until further notice.

Ocracoke Station has placed a $10 limit on fuel purchases for non-residents. They ask that everyone understand that they need to conserve fuel for an extended period after the storm passes. Ocracoke Station is the primary source of fuel for first responders. They want to be sure they have enough fuel for the entirety of this weather event. If you are evacuating the island as a resident, please only take enough fuel to get to the mainland where there are more fuel stations (and it costs much less). Rte. 12 is the main supply route for our fuel trucks and we all know how fragile it can be during these situations. Ocracoke Station will remain operating with normal hours until the weather deteriorates too much to continue. Until then, they will be Open serving breakfast and lunch from 6am - 6pm and store will be closed at 9pm.

Down Creek Gallery is postponing Melinda Sutton's art show tomorrow. We will all keep you posted on the revised date.

Eduardo's Taco Stand will be open Wednesday, and close on Thursday....

Gaffer's Sports Pub has 1/2 off prices on all food on Wednesday, including to-go orders. 

Graceful Bakery will be open Wednesday, 7am-1pm, and will close on Thursday.....

Back Porch and Flying Melon closed Wednesday until further notice.

Tradewinds Tackle will be open 7am-7pm, but if closed earlier they will have a phone number on the door if someone needs something.

Native Seafood will be open today, running a special on fresh shrimp: med. $6.50 lb, large $8.50 lb. and jumbos $9.50 lb. Supper ideas: shrimp scampi, shrimp creole, fried shrimp, shrimp tacos, sautéed shrimp, shrimp gumbo, shrimp kabobs...

Ocracoke School will be in session on Wednesday, but closed Thursday and Friday.

Earlier today, the county issued a public service announcement with the following information: 

Flood Planning and Resilience Guide for Hyde County, North Carolina
Prepare your property before a flood.  Read More   Pack your energy supply kit.  Read More