Update from Dare County Public Relations:
Make Final Storm Preparations and Travel Decisions Before Storm Conditions Arrive:
A Tropical Storm Warning and Flash Flood Watch remain in effect for all areas of Dare County. A variety of impacts are expected as Tropical Storm Hermine approaches, including possible flash flooding, tropical storm force winds, minor to moderate storm surge and beach erosion.
Outside weather preparations should be completed as soon as possible before weather conditions worsen. Now is also the time to complete all other emergency preparations. Guests planning to depart the area on Saturday should consider leaving today before weather conditions deteriorate or postponing travel until Sunday. Be sure to check the forecast for your travel route and destination before departing.
Tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive late Friday or early Saturday and continue through late Saturday afternoon. Residents and visitors should be prepared to stay indoors, away from windows, during what is anticipated to be a fast-moving storm.
Widespread rainfall of 5 to 8 inches is anticipated with isolated amounts of up to 10 inches. Prolonged heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding. These conditions make travel hazardous, especially along NC 12 and other roadways prone to flooding. If travel is necessary, use caution and expect delays. If you encounter water covering the road – turn around, don’t drown. It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters because you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground underneath. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited.
There will be minor to moderate storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground levels in some areas. The current forecast indicates that areas along the Pamlico Sound from Hatteras Village north will be more prone to sound side flooding. The National Hurricane Center has released storm surge inundation maps for Tropical Storm Hermine. They may be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/j7lbsrq.
The threat of rip currents will remain high through the weekend indicating that the surf is dangerous for swimmers of all levels.
To stay up to date with the latest weather and traffic conditions in Dare County, download the free Ready NC App at www.ncready.org.
Subscribe to receive email updates from Dare County Emergency Management at www.DareCountyEM.com and follow @DareCountyEM on Twitter.
View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx
For the most up to date information regarding the status of NC12, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12.