Unfortunately, today is a bit different, with the initial clouds of Earl bringing overcast skies and a mandatory evacuation in effect for all of Dare County.

Please be kind to the Outer Banks Earl.

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.

• Dare County Emergency Management Bulletins

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

Current Weather Conditions

• Corolla
• Duck & Kitty Hawk
• Kill Devil Hills
• Nags Head
• Manteo
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Current Storm Activities

Hurricane Earl – Updated Wednesday, 9/1, 10:30AM

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 80 miles off the coast. This would bring high winds, possibly hurricane force winds, heavy rain, beach erosion and moderate sound side flooding.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect 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 watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.

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.

• Dare County Emergency Management Bulletins

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

Current Weather Conditions

• Corolla
• Duck & Kitty Hawk
• Kill Devil Hills
• Nags Head
• Manteo
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Perfect conditions; water temps in the 70′s, air temps in the upper 80′s, a light off-shore wind, and clean waist to shoulder sets lining up one after another.

This video was shot in about 10-15 mintues, and I lost track of the number of great waves and great rides I saw.

Pretty darn close to perfect OBX surf.

Thanks Mother Nature.  Please come again soon.

Now we are setting our sights on the two tropical systems moving through the Atlantic.  At this point, both Danielle and Earl seem to be staying out to sea.  This could spell a very good scenario for OBX surf.

Then again, it could be a lot of water moving around with no surf.  Surf conditions are sensitive to say the least, and right now, the winds don’t seem to be cooperating, but who knows, we could be surprised.  Definitely worth keeping an eye on.

At this point, the surf report seems to be saying early Monday is the best bet.

Outer Banks Surf Report - 8.27.10

Hurricane Danielle as of 8.27.10

Hurricane Danielle - 8.27.10

Topical Storm Earl as of 8.27.10

Tropical Storm Earl - 8.27.10

Trip Advisor

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, today announced the results of their Labor Day travel survey of more than 5,000 TripAdvisor members, and the Outer Banks landed at number 3.

The Fall on the OBX is arguably the best time of year…local’s favorite.  Warm weather, warm water, summer crowds are gone.  Here’s a list of the Top 10 Reasons to Visit the OBX in the Off Season…including great fall events!

America’s Top Labor Day Destinations

1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
2. Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island, Michigan
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. San Francisco, California
5. San Diego, California
6. Seattle, Washington
7. Destin, Florida
8. Las Vegas, Nevada
9. New York City, New York
10. New Orleans, Louisiana

In addition, TripAdvisor® conducted its annual fall and Labor Day travel survey of more than 2,000 U.S. travelers, and here are some of the Labor Day travel trends.

Labor Day Travel Trends

• 28 percent expect to travel for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, down slightly from 30 percent one year ago.
• Among those traveling for Labor Day weekend, 66 percent plan to drive to their destination, down from 70 percent last year.
• 36 percent of those traveling for Labor Day weekend plan to fly, up from 33 percent one year ago.
• The busiest getaway day looks to be Friday, September 3, with 35 percent planning to travel on this date.
• The majority of travelers (39 percent) will travel home on Monday, September 6.

Outer Banks Sunrise

Seaside Vacations, a leading vacation rental company located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, lists the top 10 reasons to visit the Outer Banks during the off season.

Come enjoy the beach all over again this fall with everything you love about the Outer Banks – warm sunny days, refreshing ocean waters, fine dining, natural treasures, historic sites, local attractions – with fewer crowds.  The weather continues to stay warm long into September and October; so while the beach beckons, what better place to spend some time than the OBX?

Seaside Vacations has compiled a list of 10 great reasons to visit the Outer Banks in the off season. – everything from savory, fresh-caught seafood to cozy nights by warm fireplaces. While everyone else is paying top dollar to stay during the summer months, you’ll be soaking in the relaxation, solitude and the satisfaction of a fabulous getaway…at a great bargain.

10. Computer? Check. Notes? Check. Brainstorming Sessions in the Sand? Amazing.
Great meetings are about more than what goes on inside the conference room. The Outer Banks has the uncanny power to clear the mind and rejuvenate the spirit, paving the way to productive meetings. The serene setting allows meeting participants to focus their minds and unlock their creativity, ensuring guilt-free breakout sessions on the picturesque beaches. Discover Outer Banks meetings.

9. No Reservations Required
Well-known for fresh, locally-caught seafood, you’ll be delighted by the wide-ranging offering of culinary delights in unique settings – even during the off season.  Outer Banks restaurants serve everything from Italian standards, to Southwestern and French cuisine.  And the best thing about the off season dining experience?  No reservations.  No more 45-minute waits.  And still just as many delectable choices.

8. Flip Flops Welcome Year Round
No matter the time of year, you’ll find that it is always a great time to be on the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks typically has mild weather year-round with the ocean waters staying warm through November and then warming up again in May. The weather in the fall is ideal with warm days and cool evenings. The ocean water is still warm from the summer months – and not too cool for swimming until almost Thanksgiving.

7. Adventure, History, Culture…and More
From kayaking, hang-gliding and wild horses to famed lighthouses and boutique shopping, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the off season with numerous Outer Banks attractions and activities. The world-class surfing on the Outer Banks reaches its peak in the fall, and the fishing is also at its best with a typical Outer Banks fall morning displaying a gorgeous sunrise silhouetting a shoreline dotted by surfcasting fishing enthusiasts.

6. ‘Tis the Season
The holiday season on the Outer Banks is something to behold! Our barrier island comes alive with festive Outer Banks events that set the stage for fun family reconnecting. From concerts and festivals to art shows and open houses…the holiday cheer abounds!

5. Nights in Rodanthe, Anyone?
Why not leave the family behind…and take some time to rekindle the romance (the sitting-snug-by-a-crackling-fire kind). From long walks by the ocean to brilliant sunsets over the sound, you’ll discover that the romance is all around.

4. A Family Affair
Off season on the Outer Banks is the perfect setting for fun family reconnecting. The vast stretches of empty shoreline, the crashing of the waves, the long walks in the refreshing ocean breezes, all the seashells you can carry and the serene natural beauty—this picturesque scene is staged just for you.

And don’t forget the other members of your family! The off season is the perfect time of year to bring your furry friends for a frolic on the beach in a pet-friendly rental on the Outer Banks!

3. Fully Stocked
So maybe you won’t be donning a bathing suit and lounging on a chaise the way you might under the hot summer sun. If the weather isn’t picture perfect, no matter. Most Seaside Vacations vacation rental homes come stocked with everything you’ll need (and more) to have just as much fun inside as outside. From board games and DVDs, to cozy fireplaces and warm relaxing hot tubs…you’ll find that you may never need to leave.

2. Out of Season Vacations = Out of Your Mind Prices
One of the biggest draws for off-season visitors is the amazing deals they can find on an Outer Banks vacation rental.  An impressive eight-bedroom oceanfront house that rents for $10,050 a week in July rents for $2,815 a week in November. And a five-bedroom home drops from $3,720 to $825!

1. Our Pristine Natural Beauty
Spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic. Radiant golden sunsets over the sound. Pristine (and empty) windswept beaches and rolling dunes covered in swaying sea oats. A place of unparalleled beauty where time seems to slow and breathtaking beauty envelops the spirit and sets it soaring. This is the off season on the Outer Banks.

So, if you’re looking to escape the crowds and find a peaceful vacation in a beautiful spot at the edge of the world, visit the Outer Banks in the off season.  It just may be that a sweet escape to the wind-swept coast is exactly the getaway you’re looking for.

For more information on a relaxing late summer or fall vacation with Seaside Vacations, please visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com.

About Seaside Vacations:

Founded in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1990, Seaside Vacations is a full-service vacation rental management company representing homes from Corolla to Nags Head.

Seaside Vacations offers a complete selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals. Guests can choose from 1 – 10-bedroom private vacation rental homes, condominiums, townhomes and villas.  Explore our homes in Duck and Corolla as well as numerous vacation rentals in Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.

For more information on Seaside Vacations and their wide selection of vacation rentals, visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com or call one a Vacation Specialist at 877.346.8231.

Great Outer Banks Surf

Earlier this year, National Geographic chose the Outer Banks to be included on its list of “Drives of a Lifetime,” and now the OBX has landed on N.G.’s list of the Top 100 American Adventures.

Here’s piece of the praise for the OBX:

“North Carolina’s Outer Banks represent what the eastern seaboard used to look like before all the development and jetties. Left to the whims of the wind and tide, the barrier islands and their dunes change shape from year to year. That makes for an ideal place for beach sports ranging from surfing to striper fishing.”

You can read the full article here.

Outer Banks Art Exhibit

Local Outer Banks artists Ben Morris and Ben Miller are combining their efforts to display some recent works on at the Dare County Arts Council Gallery in downtown Manteo.

The exhibit opens on the “First Friday” of September, including an opening reception – September 3, 6-8 pm.

The vibrant colors and seaside flare in their works of art are definitely worth a look.

2010 Outer Banks Pro

The 2010 Outer Banks Pro will return to last year’s venue: The Comfort Inn South in Nags Head, North Carolina.

Hurley and Wave Riding Vehicles are dedicated to making this years event the most exciting and lucrative event on the entire East Coast.

The dates are set for September 24-26. Click HERE to stay updated concerning how to enter, total prize money purse, special event perks and hotel room deals for competitors.

They did a great job of capturing their full vacation; starting the week shopping at Harris Teeter, enjoying a BBQ dinner, making the most of the game room, races on the beach, Nags Head Pier at night, an OBX thunder storm, and an awesome rainbow to close out the trip.

We are looking forward to welcoming them back to the OBX soon!