Yup, It’s Now a Category 2!

Thursday evening Hurricane Arthur strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane.  Per Dare County Emergency Management…

All Dare County residents should prepare for significant ocean overwash and soundside flooding from Hurricane Arthur.  Previously the forecast from the National Weather Service had the greatest impact concentrated on Hatteras Island.  However, the latest storm track now has the Hurricane moving more to the west posing a serious risk of ocean overwash and soundside flooding throughout Dare County.

Hurricane Arthur is expected to produce gale force winds on Hatteras Island by 8:00 p.m. tonight and on the northern Dare County beaches by 10:00 p.m.  Hurricane force winds develop on Hatteras Island by 1:00 a.m. Friday and on the northern beaches by 2:30 a.m.  Make any final preparations now before the strong winds reach the Outer Banks.

Refuges of Last Resort are now available for those who need to escape the path of harm’s way.  Refuges of Last Resort are now open at two Dare County Locations – First Flight Middle School in Kill Devil Hills & the Dare County Center in Manteo.  Residents and visitors along the oceanfront and in low lying areas north of Oregon Inlet are encouraged to use the Refuges of Last Resort.

Residents and visitors using these facilities will need to bring medications, water, and snacks.  Pets, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products will not be permitted at the Refuges of Last Resort.