Winter Weather Returns to Ocracoke
Hyde County offices were closed Tuesday, and will be closed on Wednesday. National Park Service offices closed at 1:30pm on Tuesday, and will be on at least a 2-hour delay Wednesday, though they might close altogether.
Press Release: Winter Storm Update February 11, 2014 From Hyde County Emergency Services
Emergency Management Director Justin Gibbs has been in constant contact throughout the day with regional weather officials, as well as state and local emergency management personnel.
Currently, there is approximately 6-8 inches of snow throughout Mainland Hyde and 5-6 inches of snow on Ocracoke Island.
There have been 16 reported accidents on the Mainland and residents are encouraged to stay home if possible. Prior to 12pm today, NCDOT brined the mainland roads of US Hwy 264, NC 94, NC 45, and the more heavily traveled secondary roads. At 12pm NCDOT switched over to spreading sand and salt on the roads. NCDOT is in the process of plowing and grading sections of the following: NC 45, NC 94, and US Hwy 264 to the Dare County line.
On Ocracoke NCDOT is continuing to grade sections of Hwy 12.
As of now there are no reported power outages in Hyde County, however the power has flickered on Ocracoke a couple times. Hyde County Manager Bill Rich has personally spoken with Tideland EMC Chief Executive Officer Paul Spruill about concern from Ocracoke citizens regarding a potential power outage. Spruill has confirmed that the emergency generator for the Island is in working condition. Spruill and Rich have already identified options for how to use the generator should there be an emergency situation. If you have a power outage report it by calling 1-800-882-1001.
All ferry routes to Ocracoke are currently suspended. The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is shutting down for the night due to winter weather conditions. There will be no scheduled runs between Hatteras and Ocracoke tonight.
Other important information:
- Hyde County Government Offices will be closed tomorrow February 12, 2014
- Hyde County District Court is cancelled for tomorrow February 12, 2014
- Ocracoke & Mattamuskeet School campuses will be closed for students and staff tomorrow February 12, 2014
- The Ocracoke Ferry Toll hearing has been rescheduled to Monday, February 24, 2014
Enjoy the beautiful snow and be safe!
Update from Tideland:
Tideland EMC issued a statement warning that as snowfall continues, the risk of power outages increases. So far, there have been no reported outages, and they expect that the worst weather will be in Beaufort county south of the Pamlico River, along with Pamlico and Craven counties.
But just in case… Ocracoke should be reminded of a few safety tips:
"If power has been out more than thirty minutes you should cut off the individual breakers to major appliances such as water heaters, refrigerators and heating equipment. Once power has been restored, wait 15 minutes before turning back on the first breaker. This gives the electric system time to warm back up without creating an overload situation that could cause another outage.
Anyone using a generator for emergency power should make sure the unit is properly grounded and well-ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators should never be connected to household wiring unless a proper transfer switch is installed. If a transfer switch is not used, the generator could backfeed electricity to utility lines which could endanger the lives of crews working to restore your power. That’s why Tideland EMC reminds the public to regard all downed power lines as potentially energized."
