News

Hurricane Watch Remains in Effect for Currituck

     A hurricane watch remains in effect for Currituck County with Tropical Storm Hanna nearing hurricane strength as it moves closer to North Carolina. A watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.

     At 2:00 p.m., September 5, 2008, Hanna was approximately 310 miles SSW of Wilmington, NC. The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch from north of Edisto Beach, SC to Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Hanna is moving NNW at approximately 20 mph with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph.

     Currituck County is expected to begin experiencing winds in excess of 40 mph on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at approximately 1:00 a.m. The high wind duration has been extended until approximately 8:00 p.m. Sept. 6, and 3 – 7 inches of rain is expected. Storm surge is estimated at 3 – 5 feet above normal tide levels and dangerous rip current conditions are expected to continue.

     Residents should secure property, prepare emergency kits and make other necessary arrangements. Those with special medical issues should inform the county’s Special Medical Needs Registry, at 232-3083. Residents in low-lying areas should consider alternate locations due to the threat of flooding.

     Vacationers planning to arrive in Currituck are advised to do so after the high wind period, and those leaving the Outer Banks are encouraged to do so today, before Hanna reaches Currituck.

     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.

     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.

This post has been viewed 178 time(s)

© 2008 NE NC News.