HURRICANE EARL WARNING IN EFFECT FOR COASTAL NC
Evacuations Underway in Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands

 
RALEIGH – The National Hurricane Center upgraded the Hurricane Earl Watch to a Warning at 11 a.m. for the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Evacuation orders are in effect for Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.

The N.C. Division of Emergency Management is working with local emergency managers to respond to the Hurricane Earl Warning. Ferry Services is running extra routes from Ocracoke for evacuations. All other ferry service is on normal operations. An emergency shelter is open in Pitt County at North Pitt High School in Bethel.

This is a crucial time for people living in storm-surge zones and in flood plains. Those ordered to evacuate must do so immediately. Evacuation routes will become congested, causing traffic to move slowly. Law enforcement officials will be assigned to evacuation zones to secure private property and the safety of evacuees.

People living in vulnerable areas, such as storm-surge zones, flood plains, mobile homes and camper or RV parks, should evacuate now. If Hurricane Earl worsens, additional people may be ordered to evacuate. Residents living in an area that does not seem safe should leave that area now, even if an evacuation has not yet been ordered. Your safety could be in jeopardy.

Residents who are told to evacuate must do so immediately. Hurricane Earl is expected to pass east of the Bahamas tonight and continue its path toward the North Carolina coast on Thursday.