Hurricane Matthew Advisory #8: October 10, 2016 @ 3 p.m.
Hyde County is currently assessing damages from Hurricane Matthew. Mainland Hyde and Ocracoke Island emergency responders are currently conducting structural damage assessments. Primary and secondary routes have been cleared of debris and are passable barring any high water.
The NCDOT Ferry Division resumed operations on the sound routes for first responders and essential personnel at 1 pm today from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island. Only first responders and essential personnel will be permitted at this time. The NCDOT Ferry Division is currently evaluating the Hatteras ferry route. The Hatteras route will reopen as soon as possible, however impacts to Hwy 12 will affect when that ferry route will be available. The NC DOT Ferry Division will continue to assess the situation and will allow property owners and residents access as soon as possible. This information including ferry schedules will be communicated as soon as available.
Tideland EMC is still working to restore power across the mainland and on Ocracoke. Tideland crews have made tremendous progress and services could be totally restored by this evening or tonight.
Hyde County officials and the NCDOT Highway Division are planning and preparing for the collection of debris, vegetative and household, and more information will be forthcoming.
The Fairfield Drainage District has declared a drainage emergency due to inundation from the Alligator River which is impacting mitigation structures in the district. Citizens in the Fairfield community and surrounding areas, need to be aware that the significant flooding has the potential to produce mitigation structure failures, resulting in damages to homes and businesses. Hyde County is coordinating with the Fairfield Drainage District and Mattamuskeet Association to identify and obtain resources for their response and recovery efforts. There is standing water on NC Highway 94 between Fairfield and Columbia at the Northwest Fork. NCDOT and County of Hyde officials urge commuters to find alternate routes to and from Hyde County. Hyde County is currently working with NCDOT Highway Division to verify a route that can be taken from the western parts of the state for those wishing to travel into Hyde County. Major riverine flooding is making most traditional routes into Hyde County impassable. A verified route will be communicated as soon as it is received.
Please do not drive through flood waters or on flooded roads. Water only two feet deep can sweep away most automobiles. Death can occur as a result of careless or unsuspecting motorists who attempt to drive through flooded roads. Turn Around. Don't Drown. If your vehicle has been flooded, please disconnect the battery cables to prevent a fire from occurring.
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.