It's Okay to Stay

Hurricane Matthew Advisory #4   October 5, 2016 6 p.m.  

Hyde County Suspends Mandatory Evacuation for Ocracoke Island Residents & Non-Resident Property Owners

Effective immediately, Hyde County officials have suspended the mandatory evacuation order issued for residents and non-resident property owners. Residents and non-resident property owners, vendors and critical infrastructure providers will be permitted to travel to and from the island until ferry service is suspended on Friday, October 7, 2016. Please be prepared to show documentation of the aforementioned statuses to gain access to the island. Individuals wishing to gain access will need to have the appropriate reentry tag or they will be required to produce evidence of property ownership or residency.  
The model trend to keep the storm off the coast has continued through the day and the latest National Hurricane Center forecast has shifted a bit further south as it recurves south of the North Carolina coast. The threat of dangerous and life threatening conditions diminishes with this track update, but we urge continued caution across our County.  
Based on the current official forecast, the most likely impacts on Eastern NC will be: 

• Minor to moderate storm surge and ocean side wave run-up issues resulting in minor to moderate erosion and isolated areas of over wash.
• The potential for tropical storm force winds along the southern coast.
• Heavy rainfall and isolated flash flooding is still possible
• Extremely dangerous conditions for boaters.
• Rip currents

We are hopeful this model trend continues and the most significant impacts are not realized in Eastern NC. However it is too early to completely let our guard down. It is still within the margin of error for the storm to pass closer to the coast which would increase the impacts across coastal areas and inland. Continue to monitor the forecast for future changes. 
A mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island visitors began this morning at 5 a.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Even though the forecast has changed significantly, the visitor evacuation orders are still necessary and the evacuation has proceeded smoothly according to the NC DOT Ferry Division. As of 2:00 p.m., the Ferry Division reported moving over 970 people off island. The mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island visitors will remain in effect.  

All ferries to and from Ocracoke Island will run as scheduled on Thursday, October 6, 2016. No ferries will run on Friday, October 7, 2016. The NC DOT Ferry Division will be evaluating changes in services as confidence in the forecast increases. Visitors are encouraged to evacuate as early as possible to ensure safe travels to their intended destinations. Residents and non-resident property owners are encouraged to monitor the situation and continue to prepare for adverse weather conditions.  

Based on the current forecast, a mandatory evacuation for mainland Hyde County is not anticipated.Closely monitor the forecast for Matthew in the coming days. Be alert to additional forecast track changes that could increase the danger to our area. Be prepared to take action to protect yourself and your property if needed. 

Please be advised, flood waters may contain sewage and other harmful contaminants. Keep children and pets out of flood waters.  

Please maintain awareness and monitor for further updates from Hyde County Public Information.