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Currituck Included in NWS Hurricane Watch as Hanna Nears

     As Tropical Storm Hanna approaches North Carolina, a hurricane watch issued by the National Weather Service early September 5, 2008 includes Currituck County.

     The National Weather Service’s advisory at 8:00 a.m., Sept. 5 includes a hurricane watch in effect from north of Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Currituck Beach Lighthouse. A watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.

     At the time of the advisory, TS Hanna was located approximately 425 miles south of Wilmington, NC and moving NNW at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. A gradual turn north with an increase in speed is expected later today.

     Currituck County Schools and the Currituck-Knotts Island Ferry are operating on normal schedules today.

     Currituck County is expected to experience sustained winds of at least 40 mph on Saturday, September 6, 2008 from approximately 1:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. TS Hanna is expected to produce approximately 2 – 4 inches of rain and coastal storm surge flooding is predicted to be 3 – 5 feet above normal tide levels. Rip current conditions will make water activity dangerous, and all swimming advisories should be followed.

     Currituck Emergency Management encourages all residents and visitors to take necessary precaution ahead of Hanna’s arrival. All property and loose items should be secured and families should make certain emergency kits are prepared. During the period of high wind, travel will be dangerous and Currituck EM urges all residents and visitors to arrange travel schedules accordingly.

     Corolla residents and visitors in the 4-wheel drive area are encouraged to monitor the storm and consider the tide and storm surge before traveling along the beach. High tide will be at 12:00 noon on Sept. 5, and those with medical issues or low on supplies may consider moving to an alternate mainland location on Friday afternoon when the beach is safe for travel. Due to expected storm surge, it is possible that the beach will be impassable on Saturday, Sept. 6.

     Residents in low-lying areas may consider alternate locations due to the threat of flooding. All residents with medical issues are encouraged to join the county’s Special Medical Needs Registry. That registry is maintained by the Department of Social Services, at 232-3083.

     For all storm-related information, such as preparation, evacuation routes and safety kits, please contact Currituck Emergency Management at 232-2115. Currituck EM also has an information hotline available, which can be reached at 232-6010.

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