Are We Open Yet?

Yes, Ocracoke is fine. No, the ferries aren't running yet. And we aren't open to visitors. Yet.

First, the Coast Guard has to go out and check the channels and make sure the ferries have enough depth and width to run their routes. 

Ocracoke's county commissioner Tom Pahl posted this on his Facebook page today: "The Ocracoke Control Group met today at 11:00 AM. On the line with us were partners from the Ferry Division, NPS, NCDOT and Hyde County staff. There is strong support to re-open the island as soon as possible. The road to the ferry docks at the north end is open and Highway 12 up the beach is open, though subject to some minimal flooding.

The only hurdle to opening up is for the Ferry Division, with the USCG, to check and approve the safety of the channels, in particular, the Hatteras/Ocracoke channel and Big Foot Slough (for the sound class ferries).

With that approval, we expect to lift the evacuation orders. The timing of that action is subject to the Ferry Division's assessments, which are under way at this time. Please look for a Hyde County press release later this afternoon with specifics."

Meanwhile, Ocracokers are cleaning up from Isaias. Not from storm damage, but from storm prep, which is its own mess. It's like unpacking from a trip. There's never as much sense of urgency to unpack, but it's gotta be done to get on with our lives. My yard has some smallish tree branches down, but the yard debris container at the dump is full so we can put off that chore.

It's really pretty, though, and the beach is calling. NPS has checked on and opened Ramp 70 and 72. I hope some locals get a chance to catch waves today!