Hurricane Watch Now In Effect For Ocracoke and OBX

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch for coastal North Carolina between Bogue Inlet and Oregon Inlet as well as the Pamlico Sound.  Tropical Storm Arthur is moving to the north around 6 MPH and is projected to strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday night as it approaches the Outer Banks. 

The most recent data from the National Hurricane Center shows a decrease in the diameter of the storm.  Locally tropical storm force winds are expected to affect Ocracoke Island between 12:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Friday morning July 4, 2014.  Hurricane force winds are expected during a narrow window early Friday morning.  Projected rainfall for the immediate coast is 3-4 inches and estimated storm surge is 0-3 feet above ground.

There is still uncertainty about the storm track and strength.  Hyde County officials are closely monitoring Arthur's progress in considering various plans of action.  Residents and visitors are asked to monitor weather reports and take necessary precautions.

Ocracoke Civic and Business is in the process of moving activities for 4th of July celebration to Saturday, July 5th when the weather is expected to clear up. 

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The Outer Banks Group of the National Park Service has announced the following park closures that will affect Ocracoke starting at 12:00 p.m. noon today: the NPS campground, NPS docks in Silver Lake, NPS visitors center and ORV office, as well as NPS lifeguard operations will close until further notice. All NPS beaches will be closed to off-road vehicles by 9:00 p.m. today until further notice.

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Next update from Hyde County Emergency Services is expected at 12:00 p.m. Noon or earlier.