Tropical Storm Gabrielle Will Bring Rain and Wind as It Passes Over Northern Outer Banks

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is currently centered over the mainland of Dare County and will continue to move across Dare County’s Outer Banks in a northeasterly direction as the evening progresses. Thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes are possible.

Winds and rain will accompany the storm as its center moves over the northern areas of Dare County this evening. Residents and visitors are advised to stay indoors and restrict travel to necessary outings only. Swimmers are advised to stay out of the ocean since heavy surf conditions and strong rip currents create extremely dangerous conditions.

Ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke has been suspended. For updated ferry information visit www.ncferry.org or call 1-800-BY-FERRY.

Isolated power outages are possible.

To report power outages:

Dominion/ NC Power 1-888-667-3000
(Roanoke Island & Northern Beaches)

Cape Hatteras Electric 1-866-511-9862
(Hatteras Island)

Tideland Electric 1-800-637-1079
(Dare County Mainland)

Continue to monitor weather reports from the National Weather Service and local television and radio stations for updated information.

For access to updates on road conditions in North Carolina visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation website www.ncsmartlink.org or call 1-877-638-4968. In Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Transportation website http://virginiadot.org or call 1-800-367-7623.

###

 Weather Conditions Will Deteriorate As Tropical Storm Gabrielle Moves Across the Area Today

As Tropical Storm Gabrielle moves through the area this afternoon and evening, weather conditions will deteriorate bringing tropical storm force winds and bands of heavy rain. Rainfall on Sunday is expected to exceed three inches. Thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes are possible.

Swimmers are advised to stay out of the ocean since heavy surf conditions and strong rip currents create extremely dangerous conditions.

Gusts of wind and periods of heavy rain will create hazardous driving conditions. As the storm passes through the area, residents and visitors are asked to remain indoors and travel only if necessary.

Continue to monitor weather reports from the National Weather Service and local television and radio stations for updated information.

For access to updates on road conditions in North Carolina visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation website www.ncsmartlink.org or call 1-877-638-4968. In Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Transportation website http://virginiadot.org or call 1-800-367-7623. For ferry information in North Carolina visit the North Carolina Ferry Division website www.ncferry.org or call 1-800-BY-FERRY.

###

 Tropical Storm Warning in Effect for Dare County

A tropical storm warning is in effect for all areas of Dare County indicating that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 24 hours. The most recent forecast from the National Hurricane Center projects the system tracking further east, just brushing southern Hatteras Island late Sunday and moving offshore. This track would keep the strongest winds offshore and is a favorable forecast for our area. Based on the current track, Subtropical Storm Gabrielle is expected to bring sustained winds of 30 to 40 m.p.h. with gusts reaching 50 m.p.h.

Ocean side flooding should be minimal as the strongest winds will pass at low tide on Monday at approximately 1:00 a.m. Surf conditions are expected to increase and rip currents are strong. Swimming is not advised. Rainfall on Sunday associated with Gabrielle is expected to reach 2 to 3 inches.

The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that all NPS campgrounds in Cape Hatteras National Seashore will be temporarily closed beginning 5:00 p.m. today, Saturday, September 8 due to impending weather impacts from Subtropical Storm Gabrielle. The campgrounds will reopen after the storm passes and any damage is repaired.

Residents and visitors are asked to continue to monitor weather reports from the National Weather Service since weather is unpredictable and conditions may change. It is also recommended that loose items outside the home be secured in case tropical storm force winds reach the area.

###

 Affects from Tropical Storm Gabrielle Expected Sunday

Subtropical Storm Gabrielle is moving west-northwest towards the North Carolina coast and Dare County Emergency Management continues to ask residents and visitors to closely monitor weather reports from the National Weather Service, and make necessary preparations since the storm is expected to start impacting southern portions of Dare County by Sunday morning.

Based on the current forecast, winds on Hatteras Island will begin to increase Sunday morning and are expected to reach 50 to 60 m.p.h. later in the day. Areas north of Oregon Inlet will begin to see these same effects by Sunday afternoon. The storm is expected to exit the area by early Monday morning.

Residents and visitors are advised to secure loose items outside the home before tropical storm force winds reach the area and remain indoors during the event.

Ocean side flooding should be minimal as the strongest winds will pass at low tide around midnight. Surf conditions are expected to increase and rip currents are strong. Swimming is not advised. Rainfall on Sunday associated with Gabrielle is expected to reach 2 to 3 inches.

###

 Residents and Visitors Urged to Pay Close Attention to Weather Over Next Few Days

Dare County Emergency Management continues to monitor the area of low pressure located between Bermuda and the southeast U.S. coast. The National Hurricane Center has issued a special tropical disturbance statement this morning indicating that a tropical depression could form and potentially impact the East Coast of the United States.

All residents and visitors are asked to remain vigilant by paying close attention to weather advisories from the National Weather Service as well as state and local emergency management officials, and be prepared to take protective actions if necessary.

Those planning to visit the area this weekend do not need to change travel plans based on the current forecast, but are asked to be aware of updated reports in case conditions change.

For updated information from the National Hurricane Center, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov. Preparedness tips are available at www.readync.org

###

 Area of Disturbed Weather May Affect the Outer Banks

An area of disturbed weather 360 miles southwest of Bermuda may threaten the Outer Banks and Dare County through Monday.

Area residents should monitor local news outlets for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service as well as state and local emergency management officials. Now is the time for residents to prepare their homes and gather supplies. Anyone traveling to the Outer Banks this weekend should also monitor reports and be aware of the possible weather situation.

In the event this disturbance becomes a storm, Emergency Management urges residents to do the following before the storm approaches the Outer Banks:

Prepare an emergency kit: To prepare for a storm, it is best to have an emergency kit available. This kit should contain nonperishable food, water and clothing to sustain each family member for three days. The kit should also include a flashlight, radio and spare batteries. Blankets, rain gear and appropriate footwear also are recommended. Special considerations must be made for the young or disabled. Remember to include baby food and medicines as appropriate. In addition, the kit should include photocopies of important family documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.

Secure outdoor property and homes: It is recommended that all residents begin protecting their homes clearing the yard of loose branches and other debris. Residents should also be prepared to board up windows if a storm forms and approaches the area.

Register for special care: Residents needing transportation or medical care should contact Dare County Social Services, if they have not already done so. Special needs shelters require advance registration. Dare County Social Services can be reached at 475-5500.

Prepare to evacuate if ordered to do so: If evacuations are called for, public shelters will be set up for evacuees further inland. However, it might be more comfortable for those who evacuate to stay at a hotel or friend’s home that is out of the storm’s path. These arrangements must be made early since hotels fill up quickly and evacuations take time. Begin thinking about your plan.

###