Matthew Recovery Nearing Completion
A State of Emergency remains in effect for Hyde County and our citizens are still on the road to recovery, however, Hyde County officials anticipate lifting the mandatory evacuation order and entry/re-entry restrictions for Ocracoke visitors on Monday, October 17, 2016. The Ocracoke Deputy Control Group will meet on Saturday, October 15, 2016, to verify that the weather conditions and recovery efforts have provided a conducive and safe environment for returning visitors.
Hyde County's debris removal contractor has completed an initial assessment to determine debris volumes and equipment needs. Ocracoke debris removal operations will begin on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 and will continue until volumes have diminished to a locally manageable level. Citizens may transport vegetative storm debris to the designated mainland convenience sites or you can place it on the shoulder of the NCDOT right-of-way as outlined in the diagram provided. The Swan Quarter and Engelhard convenience sites will accept your vegetative storm debris. The debris contractor will not collect storm debris on private property or private roads. Attached, please find instructions detailing how your debris should be separated and placed within the NCDOT right-of-way to be retrieved.
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) volunteers are en route to Ocracoke Island, this afternoon, to assess unmet needs in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. The UMCOR caseworkers will establish a case intake center at the Ocracoke Community Center, 999 Irvin Garrish Highway, on Friday, October 14, 2016. The hours of operation will be 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday.
The WOVV radio tower was destroyed during Hurricane Matthew and they are unable to broadcast. Citizens can tune in and obtain the most current Ocracoke news by live streaming their programs at www.wovv.org.
Hyde County is transitioning from response to recovery and the coalition of federal, state, local, and private partners have made significant progress. The list of accomplishments and pending items include:
- Local propane vendors are assessing damages, resetting propane tanks and making repairs.
- National Park Service is assessing beach access ramps, boat ramps and other infrastructure. As of today, three beach access ramps are available (63, 67, and 70) and the NPS boat ramp is not accessible.
- Ocracoke Health Center is open and has received medicine and supplies with assistance from the United States Coast Guard.
- Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ground transports have resumed with the restoration of ferry services to Hatteras.
- Hyde County Department of Social Services has initiated post-disaster programs to help those who receive food and nutrition services, once the necessary declarations have been received. Please contact Hyde DSS at 252-926-4476 for more information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Hyde County has waived all permit fees for reconstruction necessary due to Hurricane Matthew, however permits are still required by the Hyde County Building Inspector's Office.
- Insurance adjusters and building contractors are being allowed access to Ocracoke if they possess valid credentials.
- A delivery of groceries to the island will not occur until Saturday, October 15th at the earliest.
- Hyde County has requested an Individual Assistance declaration.
The Fairfield Drainage District has declared a drainage emergency due to inundation from the Alligator River which is impacting mitigation structures in the district. Hyde County is coordinating with the Fairfield Drainage District and Mattamuskeet Association to identify and obtain resources for their response and recovery efforts. Although conditions have improved, there has been standing water on NC Hwy 94 between Fairfield and Columbia at the Northwest Fork and these conditions may fluctuate. The NCDOT and County of Hyde are urging commuters to remain alert and aware of the road conditions while traveling in the Northwest Fork area.
Tideland EMC has completely restored services in Hyde County, however there have been intermittent power outages since restoration of transmission to Ocracoke.
NCDOT Ferry Division has restored all services to Ocracoke Island. The Ferry Division began runs to and from Hatteras yesterday and operations will be restricted to daylight hours only. Please refer to https://twitter.com/ncdot_ferry for the latest ferry information.
At this time residents, non-resident property owners, vendors and essential service personnel are allowed access to the village. 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.
If traveling throughout North Carolina, please refer to https://www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/ or https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx for the latest road closures and routes open to travel. When using the TIMS site, you must select the region or individual counties you are traveling through to obtain specific information regarding your travel plans.
Water is still standing on many roadways and properties in Hyde County, 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 is 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.
