UPDATE: Everything's canceled through Friday at least. See you on the other side!!
Sure, we have plans for this week. There are meetings and school sporting events and live music on the community's calendar, and we've all got plenty to do. Cue hysterical laughter. LOLOL. All's in limbo as we wait for a visit from Aunt Flo.
The Ocracoke Emergency Control Group met Saturday evening, and again on Sunday. As of this writing at 11pm Sunday night, the Control Group hasn't announced an evacuation plan. Yet. They are "still looking at the track" of the storm, reported Hyde County Public Information Officer Donnie Shumate.
The Control Group will meet again at 8am and 1pm on Monday.
Meanwhile, the tide is already coming up at Ramp 59 and other spots along Hwy. 12 on Ocracoke.
Dare I speculate? Evacuation is inevitable. I don't envy those who have to make the damned if we do/damned if we don't decision about evacuation, but I was actually surprised that a date and time wasn't announced Sunday evening. It's not a matter of if, but when. Like most Ocracoke residents I am torn between planning my week business-as-usual, and kicking into high gear hurricane prep. Oh, the cognitive dissonance!
Here's what Ocracoke plans to do on Monday and Tuesday. In the unlikely event that Florence turns out to sea, or weakens considerably (neither of which are predicted by any of the weather models), we might do stuff later in the week. LOLOL.
UPDATE: The Ocracoke Control Group met at 8am and will meet again at 1. No evacuation ordered has been given for Ocracoke, although Hatteras Island started a mandatory evacuation as of noon today (Monday.) I've been told by Ocracoke's commissioner, Tom Pahl, that the control group has good reasons for their delay in the evacuation decision. I can't wait to hear them.
Monday, September 10th:
10am: Lighthouse Open 10:30-11:30am. You can in, but not up! Great photo op!
POSTPONED 3pm: Ocracoke Tourism Development Authority meeting @ Community Center
POSTPONED 4pm: Go Dolphins! Home middle school Volleyball and Soccer games. Ocracoke is hosting the Columbia Wildcats.
Tuesday, September 11th:
10:30am: NPS Pirate Program. More info @ Visitor Center.
1:30pm: Lighthouse Open 1:30–2:30pm. You can in, but not up! Great photo op!
8pm: Live Music! Coyote Plus One! The Coyote Music Den is in the Community Square, and will host "Coyote Plus One" at 8pm every Tuesday night. This week's special guest is Ruth Wyand from Kill Devil Hills. More info at www.coyotemusic.net NEW SPECIAL PRICING (door only): Seniors $12, Locals $10, Students $7, $15 adults/$7 kids under 12. Share the magic! Doors open at 7:30pm. Bring your own refreshments; soft drinks and water available for purchase.