As I sit here in the air conditioning, with my feet propped up, using the internet to scan the social media, I've noticed that off-island friends and fan of Ocracoke are really worried. Please don't be.
I didn't post on here yesterday because I was having a lazy day and there just wasn't much to tell. The tide came up, but not as much as we thought it would, the winds weren't any windier than they often are, and we've had just a sprinkling of light rain.
Crystal did a walkabout Tuesday morning and took some great photos that she posted on the Current's Facebook page, and we shared information there.
Here's what we know as of Wednesday afternoon:
The ferries aren't running yet.
NC 12 is mostly clear with just a little sand and water on the road.
There's some damage to the ferry stacking lanes at the north end of Ocracoke, but it won't stop the ferries from running when they can.
We haven't heard any reports of water in anyone's house, or any significant damage. We've all lost business, which is tough on everyone (especially after the blackout in August -- it's been a hard season to make a living), but that's all.
We expect to hear from the county sometime later this afternoon about plans to lift the evacuation. I imagine it will be Friday at the latest, maybe even tomorrow, just in time for the weekend! Please come back and see us!
Here's what NCDOT reported this morning: From Bonner Bridge south we're seeing some some sand and areas of water on roadway. Standing water is the issue in Avon, Mirlo, and New Inlet.
In Hatteras, there was some over wash last night but only water on the roadway. Hatteras village has some sound side flooding issues.
On Ocracoke, there's no dune damage. At the South Dock Ferry Terminal there is damage to the road surface on the outside stacking lane. NC12 is in good condition.
Basically, water on NC12 is deepest at high tide and recedes in between tides. The only travel issues right now is some sand and high water. Our crews are repositioning high water signs. All in all, we did OK on the last high tide but there are a few more high tides to get through before we see conditions improve.
