In case you haven't already heard, the road just north of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island (the area called the s-curves) was badly damaged by the storm I'm hearing being called "Nor'Ida" by some.
There are pictures available at the Island Free Press website.
Here on Ocracoke, the sun is finally shining and the roads are drying out well (even the deepest spots on Sunset and Back are starting to have pavement showing through now, finally). We were once again very fortunate and blessed to not have any major damage and no injuries or loss of property that I heard of here on Ocracoke. Our neighbors to the north unfortunately did not fare as well. Multiple houses were lost to the sea, although unbelievably enough Serendipity (of "Nights in Rodanthe" movie fame) is still standing!
Here's the latest informational announcement from Dare County:
For Immediate Release:
Sunday, November 15, 2009
9:30am Contact: Dorothy Toolan
252-473-8328
Four Wheel Drive Route Established for Hatteras Island
All of Hatteras Island continues to be under a declared State of Emergency. NC Highway 12 remains closed to regular traffic north of Rodanthe.
North Carolina DOT will open a special one lane travel route for four wheel drive vehicles in the Mirlo Beach area of Rodanthe at 11:00am today. Use of this route is for essential travel only and will be available for daily use until regular service is restored.
Passage through this area is subject to the following restrictions –
Only four wheel drive vehicles will be allowed to transit the area.
Travel will be one lane only. Be prepared to wait until on-coming traffic is cleared.
Travel may be restricted at anytime due to weather conditions, construction or emergency vehicles.
Travel will only be permitted during daylight hours, beginning one hour after sunrise and ending one hour before sunset.
The area ½ mile north and south to the entrance of the temporary travel route has been declared a work zone. No parking will be permitted along the shoulders of the road in the area.
Residents and visitors should consider using the alternate route to Hatteras Island by ferry from Swan Quarter through Ocracoke. For more information call the Ferry Division at 1-800-293-3779 and then press 1. Or visit their website at
www.ncferry.org
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
More Ida pictures and the latest news
Here are a few more pictures I took around and shortly after high tide yesterday, which I hadn't uploaded to the computer yet when I did yesterday's blog.
Looking the other way down Sunset/Firehouse:
I think this was probably close to the highest point...water all the way across Sunset and into yards on both sides.
The end of Sunset, where it meets Trent.
Looking down Trent toward Middle/Hickman.
The rest of the pictures are from the Oyster Creek area. Thanks go to my friend Brian for the photo tour in his truck.
Hard to tell where the canals end and the land begins.
The orange cone to mark the low spot in the road made me laugh.
Water coming up over the dock at Brian's house.
There's usually a LOT more head clearance if you take a boat or kayak under this bridge.
Here's the latest update from Dare County.
For Immediate Release:
Saturday, November 14, 2009
10:15am Contact: Dorothy Toolan
252-473-8328
Coastal Storm Update
NC Highway 12 on Hatteras Island continues to be closed south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge to Rodanthe. North Carolina DOT is working to remove sand and water from the road, but it is not expected to be open today.
For those wanting to depart Hatteras Island to reach the mainland, a special ferry is tentatively planned for 12:00 pm today. If conditions permit, a ferry is scheduled to leave Hatteras Village at 12:00 pm today for Ocracoke Island. Travelers will then connect with another ferry in Ocracoke for passage to the mainland via Swan Quarter. The regular fee will apply to the mainland portion of the trip. Reservations are required and can be made by calling
252-928-5311.
Along the Outer Banks, continue to expect water on roads in areas prone to flooding. Drivers should proceed with caution.
In Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk, NC Highway 12, known as the Beach Road, has portions closed.
NC Highway 12 is open from Southern Shores to Corolla.
In Nags Head, all roads are open. Some side streets may have debris.
Extremely dangerous surf conditions and rip currents exist through Saturday.
Dare County Emergency Management will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue advisories as needed. Updates are available at www.darenc.com, Cable Channel 20 and NOAA Weather Radio.
Looking the other way down Sunset/Firehouse:
I think this was probably close to the highest point...water all the way across Sunset and into yards on both sides.
The end of Sunset, where it meets Trent.
Looking down Trent toward Middle/Hickman.
The rest of the pictures are from the Oyster Creek area. Thanks go to my friend Brian for the photo tour in his truck.
Hard to tell where the canals end and the land begins.
The orange cone to mark the low spot in the road made me laugh.
Water coming up over the dock at Brian's house.
There's usually a LOT more head clearance if you take a boat or kayak under this bridge.
Here's the latest update from Dare County.
For Immediate Release:
Saturday, November 14, 2009
10:15am Contact: Dorothy Toolan
252-473-8328
Coastal Storm Update
NC Highway 12 on Hatteras Island continues to be closed south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge to Rodanthe. North Carolina DOT is working to remove sand and water from the road, but it is not expected to be open today.
For those wanting to depart Hatteras Island to reach the mainland, a special ferry is tentatively planned for 12:00 pm today. If conditions permit, a ferry is scheduled to leave Hatteras Village at 12:00 pm today for Ocracoke Island. Travelers will then connect with another ferry in Ocracoke for passage to the mainland via Swan Quarter. The regular fee will apply to the mainland portion of the trip. Reservations are required and can be made by calling
252-928-5311.
Along the Outer Banks, continue to expect water on roads in areas prone to flooding. Drivers should proceed with caution.
In Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk, NC Highway 12, known as the Beach Road, has portions closed.
NC Highway 12 is open from Southern Shores to Corolla.
In Nags Head, all roads are open. Some side streets may have debris.
Extremely dangerous surf conditions and rip currents exist through Saturday.
Dare County Emergency Management will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue advisories as needed. Updates are available at www.darenc.com, Cable Channel 20 and NOAA Weather Radio.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ida pictures
I have slogged my way around the village a couple of times today (first this morning in my car; the second time I biked/walked) to take pictures as the water has been rising. So here are some photos for your viewing enjoyment.
This first set is from the morning (around 8:30 - 9:00 AM).
South Point Road is closed, of course.
The ocean was a bit wild.
There was a rainbow over the village.
You can see how much sand had blown around on the beach, burying the signposts.
It's a good day for a kayak.
Birds visiting the Lighthouse, and finding plenty of breakfast in the new swamp.
Looking down Back Road from the corner of Back and Sunset.
These pictures are from this afternoon (between 2:30 and 3:00 or so).
School basketball court...
...and the circle in front...
...and looking toward the church from the circle.
A pretty typical sign explaining that the store was closed (this was at Village Craftsmen).
Cars parked on high ground...
...which was a good idea, because this is where those particular cars are usually parked.
Looking down Fig Tree Lane.
The Windfall sitting high in the water.
British Cemetery Road
Not a good day for a picnic!
Water crashing near the boat launch ramp at the NPS parking lot.
More cars on higher ground.
Wading into the edge of Silver Lake - yes, that's waist deep water there.
Kayaking was the best way to get down Sunset/Firehouse.
Here are some before and after shots taken from approximately the same spot.
Looking down Sunset/Firehouse, right in front of my house.
In the morning:
In the afternoon:
And at high tide:
I took these pictures standing with my back right up against Ride the Wind Surf Shop.
This one in the morning:
And this one in the afternoon:
This first set is from the morning (around 8:30 - 9:00 AM).
South Point Road is closed, of course.
The ocean was a bit wild.
There was a rainbow over the village.
You can see how much sand had blown around on the beach, burying the signposts.
It's a good day for a kayak.
Birds visiting the Lighthouse, and finding plenty of breakfast in the new swamp.
Looking down Back Road from the corner of Back and Sunset.
These pictures are from this afternoon (between 2:30 and 3:00 or so).
School basketball court...
...and the circle in front...
...and looking toward the church from the circle.
A pretty typical sign explaining that the store was closed (this was at Village Craftsmen).
Cars parked on high ground...
...which was a good idea, because this is where those particular cars are usually parked.
Looking down Fig Tree Lane.
The Windfall sitting high in the water.
British Cemetery Road
Not a good day for a picnic!
Water crashing near the boat launch ramp at the NPS parking lot.
More cars on higher ground.
Wading into the edge of Silver Lake - yes, that's waist deep water there.
Kayaking was the best way to get down Sunset/Firehouse.
Here are some before and after shots taken from approximately the same spot.
Looking down Sunset/Firehouse, right in front of my house.
In the morning:
In the afternoon:
And at high tide:
I took these pictures standing with my back right up against Ride the Wind Surf Shop.
This one in the morning:
And this one in the afternoon:
Latest storm news
We didn't get much more rain overnight, but there is flooding throughout the village as a result of the high tide and winds. Essentially, some of Pamlico Sound decided to come ashore and visit. I took several pictures this morning and will post them here in a while, but for now here's some of what I know or have heard:
- parts of Hwy 12 are closed (see advisory below for more specifics on this)
- the house used for the film Nights in Rodanthe ("Serendipity") fell into the ocean (this is unconfirmed, but there is video on weather.com of houses in Nags Head falling into the sea, so I wouldn't be surprised if that fate has also befallen Serendipity)
- school and daycare on the island have closed for the day
And here's the latest advisory.
Public Advisory #3
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009; 10:30 am
Event: Ida Nor’easter
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com
A high surf advisory remains in effect until 3:00 pm this afternoon. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect until 8:00 am Saturday. Hyde County residents and visitors should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
Strong winds and building seas could result in overwash and coastal flooding. Rough surf conditions are expected along with a high threat of dangerous rip currents in ocean waters. The next high tides are at 5 pm and 5:25 am on Saturday.
Motorists should be alert for significant water on roadways and localized flooding in low area. Drivers should proceed with extreme caution. Only travel when necessary and be aware of roadside ditches that may not be visible through the overwash. Turn around. Don’t drown.
NC Highway 12 is closed at the Oregon Inlet Bridge with no passage available through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Rodanthe area . At this time, it is not known when Highway 12 to Hatteras Island will reopen. North Carolina DOT is on-scene working to clear sand and water from the roadway.
Highway 12, north end of Ocracoke, is officially closed. The 2000 block of White Plains Road, Engelhard, is quickly being submerged due to the wind shift. Please be aware of road closings as they happen quickly due to shifting winds and tidal changes.
The Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry operations are suspended this morning until further notice.
The Swan Quarter and Cedar Island routes are running at this time.
Ocracoke School closed today at 9:30 am. Mainland Hyde County Schools are on a 2-hour delay.
Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property. Further updates will be issued as warranted.
Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.
Stay tuned to www.noaa.gov and local news and radio stations for the latest updates.
In order to keep 911 phone lines open for emergency communications, please do not call 911 for general inquiries. 911 should be used only for emergencies.
Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist:
* Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers
* Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days
* Obtain medicine and prescriptions
(5+ recommended for Ocracoke)
* Check and fuel vehicles and generators
* Obtain baby need or personal need items
* Check battery powered electronics and generators
* Make pet arrangements
* Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be
* Pick up loose items around the yard
replaced easily
* Protect vulnerable portions of property
##
- parts of Hwy 12 are closed (see advisory below for more specifics on this)
- the house used for the film Nights in Rodanthe ("Serendipity") fell into the ocean (this is unconfirmed, but there is video on weather.com of houses in Nags Head falling into the sea, so I wouldn't be surprised if that fate has also befallen Serendipity)
- school and daycare on the island have closed for the day
And here's the latest advisory.
Public Advisory #3
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009; 10:30 am
Event: Ida Nor’easter
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com
A high surf advisory remains in effect until 3:00 pm this afternoon. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect until 8:00 am Saturday. Hyde County residents and visitors should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
Strong winds and building seas could result in overwash and coastal flooding. Rough surf conditions are expected along with a high threat of dangerous rip currents in ocean waters. The next high tides are at 5 pm and 5:25 am on Saturday.
Motorists should be alert for significant water on roadways and localized flooding in low area. Drivers should proceed with extreme caution. Only travel when necessary and be aware of roadside ditches that may not be visible through the overwash. Turn around. Don’t drown.
NC Highway 12 is closed at the Oregon Inlet Bridge with no passage available through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Rodanthe area . At this time, it is not known when Highway 12 to Hatteras Island will reopen. North Carolina DOT is on-scene working to clear sand and water from the roadway.
Highway 12, north end of Ocracoke, is officially closed. The 2000 block of White Plains Road, Engelhard, is quickly being submerged due to the wind shift. Please be aware of road closings as they happen quickly due to shifting winds and tidal changes.
The Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry operations are suspended this morning until further notice.
The Swan Quarter and Cedar Island routes are running at this time.
Ocracoke School closed today at 9:30 am. Mainland Hyde County Schools are on a 2-hour delay.
Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property. Further updates will be issued as warranted.
Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.
Stay tuned to www.noaa.gov and local news and radio stations for the latest updates.
In order to keep 911 phone lines open for emergency communications, please do not call 911 for general inquiries. 911 should be used only for emergencies.
Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist:
* Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers
* Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days
* Obtain medicine and prescriptions
(5+ recommended for Ocracoke)
* Check and fuel vehicles and generators
* Obtain baby need or personal need items
* Check battery powered electronics and generators
* Make pet arrangements
* Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be
* Pick up loose items around the yard
replaced easily
* Protect vulnerable portions of property
##
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Watery
The island made it through Ida relatively unscathed. It rained for several hours in bands with short gaps between them, and the power was out for about 6 hours (most of last night), but then this afternoon it stopped raining, the sun came out, and it turned into a lovely (rather warm) day. There is plenty of standing water around the village in all the low places, though. Here are a few shots from late this morning.
The curve of Back Rd, right near the Back Porch restaurant floods even with a standard thunderstorm, so it's no match for a tropical storm or nor'easter.
Highway 12 near the Youth Center, and storm clouds still hovering.
The Youth Center beach scene has a replica of the ocean to go along with it now!
It was not a good day for an concert at the outdoor stage near Books to be Red.
Silver Lake harbor headed for Silver Lake Drive.
Sunset Drive (or perhaps we should call it Sunset Creek?) right near my house.
Here's the second public advisory which was sent out this morning.
Public Advisory #2
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009; 11:30 am
Event: Ida Nor’easter
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com
A coastal flood warning is in effect until 8:00 am Saturday, November 14. Residents and visitors should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
A strong low pressure system will move slowly along the coast today and produce strong northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph. The strong winds and building seas could result in overwash and coastal flooding. Rough surf conditions are expected along with a high threat of dangerous rip currents in ocean waters.
Motorists should be alert for significant water on roadways and localized flooding in low area. Drivers should proceed with extreme caution. Only travel when necessary and be aware of roadside ditches that may not be visible through the overwash. Turn around. Don’t drown.
Highway 12 is open south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge. However, passage may be reduced to one lane in portions of Highway 12 through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Rodanthe area. Throughout the storm, road conditions could worsen especially around periods of high tide and travel should be planned accordingly. The next period of high tide is expected at approx 4:45 pm Thursday afternoon.
Hyde County Government Offices will be closed today, Thursday, November 12, 2009 due to severe weather including extreme tides and road flooding. The Government Center will re-open on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property. Further updates will be issued as warranted.
Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.
Stay tuned to www.noaa.gov and local news and radio stations for the latest updates.
Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist:
* Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers
* Obtain medicine and prescriptions
* Check and fuel vehicles and generators
* Obtain cash
* Make pet arrangements
* Pick up loose items around the yard
* Protect vulnerable portions of property
* Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days (5+ recommended for Ocracoke)
* Obtain baby need or personal need items
* Check battery powered electronics and generators
* Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be replaced easily
The curve of Back Rd, right near the Back Porch restaurant floods even with a standard thunderstorm, so it's no match for a tropical storm or nor'easter.
Highway 12 near the Youth Center, and storm clouds still hovering.
The Youth Center beach scene has a replica of the ocean to go along with it now!
It was not a good day for an concert at the outdoor stage near Books to be Red.
Silver Lake harbor headed for Silver Lake Drive.
Sunset Drive (or perhaps we should call it Sunset Creek?) right near my house.
Here's the second public advisory which was sent out this morning.
Public Advisory #2
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009; 11:30 am
Event: Ida Nor’easter
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com
A coastal flood warning is in effect until 8:00 am Saturday, November 14. Residents and visitors should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
A strong low pressure system will move slowly along the coast today and produce strong northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph. The strong winds and building seas could result in overwash and coastal flooding. Rough surf conditions are expected along with a high threat of dangerous rip currents in ocean waters.
Motorists should be alert for significant water on roadways and localized flooding in low area. Drivers should proceed with extreme caution. Only travel when necessary and be aware of roadside ditches that may not be visible through the overwash. Turn around. Don’t drown.
Highway 12 is open south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge. However, passage may be reduced to one lane in portions of Highway 12 through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Rodanthe area. Throughout the storm, road conditions could worsen especially around periods of high tide and travel should be planned accordingly. The next period of high tide is expected at approx 4:45 pm Thursday afternoon.
Hyde County Government Offices will be closed today, Thursday, November 12, 2009 due to severe weather including extreme tides and road flooding. The Government Center will re-open on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property. Further updates will be issued as warranted.
Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.
Stay tuned to www.noaa.gov and local news and radio stations for the latest updates.
Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist:
* Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers
* Obtain medicine and prescriptions
* Check and fuel vehicles and generators
* Obtain cash
* Make pet arrangements
* Pick up loose items around the yard
* Protect vulnerable portions of property
* Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days (5+ recommended for Ocracoke)
* Obtain baby need or personal need items
* Check battery powered electronics and generators
* Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be replaced easily
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Storms out on the ocean (and in the village)
I took a picture yesterday morning of a storm out over the ocean, but I am going to have to upload it here later. My camera is in the car at the moment, and it's currently pouring down rain, so I'm not going out to get it! But I wanted to give everyone an update on the Nor'Easter that is visiting us at the moment, so here's the latest that I know.
Here's the public advisory that was sent out earlier today:
Public Advisory #1
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2009; 2:30 pm
Event: Ida Nor’easter
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com
A hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service warns residents of the Outer Banks of a high threat of dangerous rip currents and extremely rough surf through Friday and a high wind warning in effect from 7 pm this evening to 7 pm Thursday afternoon.
Remnants of Ida, coupled with strong high pressure to the north, will produce strong winds, coastal flooding especially at times of high tide, and high surf through Friday. Storm total rainfall may reach 5-8 inches area-wide with the potential for localized fresh water flooding.
Along the Outer Banks, in addition to high breaking waves and overwash, the extratropical storm surge will be 2 to 3 feet. Significant flooding along coastal sections from Hatteras North is possible. By Friday astronomical tides will begin to build again, which will add to the coastal flooding impacts.
Motorists should be alert for significant water on roadways and localized flooding in low area. Be aware of potential flooding of Highway 12 North around the Rodanthe area.
Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property. Further updates will be issued as warranted.
Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.
Stay tuned to www.noaa.gov and local news and radio stations for the latest updates.
Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist:
* Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers
* Obtain medicine and prescriptions
* Check and fuel vehicles and generators
* Obtain cash
* Make pet arrangements
* Pick up loose items around the yard
* Protect vulnerable portions of property
* Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days (5+ recommended for Ocracoke)
* Obtain baby need or personal need items
* Check battery powered electronics and generators
* Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be replaced easily
##
And here's a link to a radar view of the storm.
And here's a link to an article about it.
Here's the public advisory that was sent out earlier today:
Public Advisory #1
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2009; 2:30 pm
Event: Ida Nor’easter
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com
A hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service warns residents of the Outer Banks of a high threat of dangerous rip currents and extremely rough surf through Friday and a high wind warning in effect from 7 pm this evening to 7 pm Thursday afternoon.
Remnants of Ida, coupled with strong high pressure to the north, will produce strong winds, coastal flooding especially at times of high tide, and high surf through Friday. Storm total rainfall may reach 5-8 inches area-wide with the potential for localized fresh water flooding.
Along the Outer Banks, in addition to high breaking waves and overwash, the extratropical storm surge will be 2 to 3 feet. Significant flooding along coastal sections from Hatteras North is possible. By Friday astronomical tides will begin to build again, which will add to the coastal flooding impacts.
Motorists should be alert for significant water on roadways and localized flooding in low area. Be aware of potential flooding of Highway 12 North around the Rodanthe area.
Hyde County Emergency Services continues to review the latest weather forecasts, is coordinating with the State and nearby counties, and advising citizens on possible actions to protect themselves and their property. Further updates will be issued as warranted.
Please make yourselves aware of the state ferry system’s schedule and road conditions before making travel plans during this time and after the storm has passed.
Stay tuned to www.noaa.gov and local news and radio stations for the latest updates.
Storm Basis Preparation Initial Checklist:
* Check First Aid Kits/ Fire Extinguishers
* Obtain medicine and prescriptions
* Check and fuel vehicles and generators
* Obtain cash
* Make pet arrangements
* Pick up loose items around the yard
* Protect vulnerable portions of property
* Obtain non-perishable food and water for 3+ days (5+ recommended for Ocracoke)
* Obtain baby need or personal need items
* Check battery powered electronics and generators
* Assemble valuables and documents that cannot be replaced easily
##
And here's a link to a radar view of the storm.
And here's a link to an article about it.
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