The Hyde County Emergency Services Department is currently monitoring Tropical Storm Arthur's progress up the East Coast.  The latest weather forecast from NOAA's National Hurricane Center as of 5:00 p.m. today project Tropical Storm Arthur passing just east off the coast of Ocracoke early morning Friday, July 4, 2014.

Sustained tropical force winds are expected to affect Ocracoke Island around 1:00 a.m. Friday morning July 4, 2014 and lasting until early afternoon.  Hurricane force winds are a predicted possibility Friday morning between 5:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Total projected rainfall on Thursday July 3, 2014 and Friday July 4, 2014 is 2-3 inches.  Local storm surge estimates will become available as Arthur gets closer to North Carolina.

Emergency Services Director Justin Gibbs and County Manager Bill Rich will continue to be in constant contact with regional weather service officials, State Emergency Management, the Hyde County Commissioners, and local business owners regarding the storm's progress and potential impact to Hyde County. 

Please stay alert of further updates from Hyde County Public Information.