Now that Hurricane Arthur is but a memory, the day to day business of getting the Outer Banks up and running is upon us. We’ve gathered some information from various sources to help visitors and residents know what is open and where restrictions still apply.
There does not appear to be any restriction on travel or visitation north of Oregon Inlet. However, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke do have some significant restrictions on access.
Good news—it appears as though NC12 did not suffer significant damage. Although access to Hatteras Island is still restricted (see below), the Dare County Emergency Management Team indicated yesterday they hoped to have full access to southern Dare County before the end of the weekend.
Dare County Emergency Management
CLARIFICATION-on Reentry for Permanent Residents & Essential Personnel at 12 Noon Today
The reentry announced for 12 noon today to Hatteras Island ONLY applies to Permanent Residents & Essential Personnel. The previous release stated that current Dare County tax receipts could be used as identification. This update corrects the previous information to clarify that a valid NC driver’s license with a Hatteras Island address is the ONLY acceptable ID for permanent residents.
Updated Informtion
For those on Hatteras Island
For those already on Hatteras Island who wish to leave, effective 12 noon today there will be no restriction in place stopping them from leaving Hatteras Island.
July 5th, 11am update:
Hyde County officials have declared a curfew for Ocracoke Island between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. each day until power is fully restored.
Electricity:
Tideland EMC’s Ocracoke generator is currently operating. If electric load remains low enough for Tideland’s generator the rotation schedule will be: 3 hours on and 3 hours off until full power is restored Sunday night.
The generator WILL NOT WORK unless every resident and visitor on Ocracoke practices strict conservation. Please turn off all non-essential breakers including water heaters and air conditioning. Limit electric demand to refrigeration and fans ONLY. Ocracoke residents and guests, please do not become complacent about electrical loads while we rely on generator power. If electric loads exceed generator operating capacity we will have to begin the process all over again.
Water:
The Ocracoke water plant is operating on generator power. Please be conservative with water usage until full power is restored.
National Park Service
Bodie Island Facilities Reopening
On July 5th, NPS facilities on Bodie Island will reopen. These include Oregon Inlet Campground, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and the Coquina Beach Swim Area. All Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island facilities are still closed until further notice.
Fireworks
July 5th-Tonight
The Town of Nags Head and the Town of Kill Devil Hills have rescheduled their pyrotechnics for Saturday.
July 6th-Sunday
The Town of Manteo will light the sky on Sunday evening.
July 7th-Monday
The Whalehead Club in Corolla will set off their fireworks on Monday.
The Avon fireworks on Hatteras Island are scheduled to light the sky Monday evening.
And on a sad note: The Town of Duck has cancelled their July 4th Parade. It will not be rescheduled.