As Hurricane Earl heads northwest through the Atlantic, officials are unsure of its impact on the Outer Banks.
The latest reports project Earl nearing the Outer Banks late Thursday/early Friday – passing about 70 miles off the coast. This would bring high winds, possibly hurricane force winds, heavy rain, beach erosion and moderate sound side flooding. Weather conditions will deteriorate this evening as the storm approaches.
A Hurricane Warning has been issued for all of Dare County and the North Carolina Coast from north of Surf City to Virginia, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher are expected in 24 hours or less. Warnings can remain in effect when dangerously high water or waves exist even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
The Dare County Control Group has issued a mandatory evacuation for all visitors throughout the entire County effective 6:00 am Thursday, September 2.
Dare County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Earl and urges all residents and visitors to take necessary precautions for possible hurricane force winds as the storm is expected to pass approximately 80 miles off the Outer Banks early Friday morning. Bulletins will be issued as needed and available at www.darenc.com.
Earl Links: Public Advisory | Forecast | Tracking
Other Popular Weather Resources
- National Weather Service Homepage
- National Weather Service – National Hurricane Center
- Currituck County: Hurricane Preparedness
- Dare County: Typical Storm Questions and Answers
- North Carolina Department of Transportation
- Weather.com: Hurricane Earl News Ticker
