The Hatteras inlet ferry is still not running, and the village is still pretty quiet as a result. John and I went to dinner at the Back Porch tonight to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary, and we were the only couple there for about 15 minutes! (We didn't get there right when they opened either...we got there about 45 minutes after they opened.) It's definitely not too busy around here right now.
Anyway, if the Hatteras ferry issues weren't enough, now there's yet another ferry problem. Here's the official release from NC DOT.
SEVERAL RUNS SUSPENDED AT SWAN QUARTER, CEDAR ISLAND AND OCRACOKE FERRY ROUTES
Motor Vessel Cedar Island experiencing structural problems
MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry
Division today announced that several runs at the Swan
Quarter-Ocracoke and Cedar Island-Ocracoke routes will be suspended
for several days, while employees work to fix a structural problem on
the Motor Vessel Cedar Island.
The following runs have been suspended:
· The 6:30 a.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter;
· The 9:30 a.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke;
· The 12:30 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island;
· The 3:30 p.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke;
· The 6 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island; and
· The 8:30 p.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke.
The following runs will continue as scheduled:
· The 7 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. runs from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke;
· The 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. runs from Ocracoke to
Swan Quarter;
· The 7 a.m., 10, 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. runs from Ocracoke to
Cedar Island; and
· The 7 a.m., 9:30, 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. runs from Cedar
Island to Ocracoke.
A return to the normal schedule will occur as soon as the MV Cedar
Island is fixed and running safely. Travelers with reservations for
any of these runs during this week should call the reservations
center at 1-800-BY-FERRY to make alternative arrangements.
NCDOT also offers ferry travel information on Twitter, a free
social-networking Web site. Citizens can get brief updates, or
“tweets,” for ferry routes by signing up at
www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry .
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
It may be a while...
...before the Hatteras ferry is up and running. The official word is that the shoaling of the inlet was "extreme", and that a new channel needs to be located, dredged, and marked. The rumors around the village about how long this may take vary wildly - I've heard everything from "another day or two" to "two weeks". The ferry division website says it "may take several days". The village seemed pretty quiet today, and the Community store was nearly out of milk when we went in there early this afternoon. I did see one delivery truck on the island, and I heard that the mail was delivered today, so it appears that things are starting to be re-routed via Swan Quarter.
In the meantime, the weather is wonderful (it's that great time of year when the temperature is neither hot nor cold, but lovely and neutral). I threw open many windows in my house today and enjoyed the fresh breeze very much. Ah, fall....definitely my favorite season.
In the meantime, the weather is wonderful (it's that great time of year when the temperature is neither hot nor cold, but lovely and neutral). I threw open many windows in my house today and enjoyed the fresh breeze very much. Ah, fall....definitely my favorite season.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Speaking of...
...things we take for granted: how about mail delivery? It's not something we necessarily take for granted around here, as ferry issues can result in delays and sometimes days without mail. This morning, when I arrived at the Post Office, I learned that today was likely to be one of those days. The Hatteras ferry is not running (see below), and it had gotten too late to re-route the mail via Swan Quarter. I'm not terribly worried about not getting mail for a day, though: it's mostly bills and catalogs anyway!
Here's the release about the ferry situation:
UPDATE: HATTERAS FERRY ROUTE REMAINS SUSPENDED; ALL OTHERS RESUME NORMAL SCHEDULE
Extreme shoaling in Hatteras Inlet prohibits ferries crossing
MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division announces that extreme shoaling at Hatteras Inlet is prohibiting operations from resuming on the Hatteras-Ocracoke route. The Ferry Division is working with the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies to find and mark a new channel, which may take as long as two days. Once a clear channel is found and marked, the Hatteras route will return to normal operations.
All other routes are operating normally.
The Ferry Division is waiving tolls for Ocracoke residents and commercial supply vehicles today. Residents must show proof of residency in the form of a driver license and will be given priority re-entering the island, however, they must arrive at Swan Quarter or Cedar Island 30 minutes prior to departure. Tolls will also be waived for Ocracoke residents leaving the island, but no priority status will be given. Residents must get in the stand-by lane and arrive 30 minutes prior to departure going to Swan Quarter or Cedar Island. Reservations are being honored as well.
For up-to-date information, call 1-800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and Press 1, or go to www.ncferry.org.
And now for a final thought on this topic of taking things for granted. I got this quote in email yesterday, which is a good fit for the idea. "Don't believe there's plenty of time for everything. There isn't." - Lillian Hellman
Don't take for granted that you have plenty of time. Life is short!
Here's the release about the ferry situation:
UPDATE: HATTERAS FERRY ROUTE REMAINS SUSPENDED; ALL OTHERS RESUME NORMAL SCHEDULE
Extreme shoaling in Hatteras Inlet prohibits ferries crossing
MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division announces that extreme shoaling at Hatteras Inlet is prohibiting operations from resuming on the Hatteras-Ocracoke route. The Ferry Division is working with the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies to find and mark a new channel, which may take as long as two days. Once a clear channel is found and marked, the Hatteras route will return to normal operations.
All other routes are operating normally.
The Ferry Division is waiving tolls for Ocracoke residents and commercial supply vehicles today. Residents must show proof of residency in the form of a driver license and will be given priority re-entering the island, however, they must arrive at Swan Quarter or Cedar Island 30 minutes prior to departure. Tolls will also be waived for Ocracoke residents leaving the island, but no priority status will be given. Residents must get in the stand-by lane and arrive 30 minutes prior to departure going to Swan Quarter or Cedar Island. Reservations are being honored as well.
For up-to-date information, call 1-800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and Press 1, or go to www.ncferry.org.
And now for a final thought on this topic of taking things for granted. I got this quote in email yesterday, which is a good fit for the idea. "Don't believe there's plenty of time for everything. There isn't." - Lillian Hellman
Don't take for granted that you have plenty of time. Life is short!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Things we take for granted
I have often said that I wouldn't want to go be on a "reality" TV show because being away from access to information would drive me batty. Although, on the other hand, I think my sister and I would have a blast on the Amazing Race, and I wouldn't mind going on Survivor but only if it was guaranteed to be in an area with good snorkeling and I could be voted out first, so I could snorkel for the next month or so. But I digress. What I was trying to say was that I need to be able to ask my favorite know it all guys (Mr. Google and Mr. Wikipedia) whatever question I think of, when I think of it. I also like being able to check the radar (especially during the kind of weather we have been having around here recently).
So this morning, when the power was out for several hours, what bothered me the most was not the humidity in my house (although I was pleased when the power - read: the AC - came back on), and it wasn't that poor Connor was stuck inside, bored and sick of the rain (I was, too, and there are certainly worse things in life). No, what bothered me the most was that I couldn't log on to the internet and find out what was happening, what the radar looked like, even what my friends were posting on Facebook about the storm (some of my friends have generators, others use their cell phones to post, so they are still connected even when the power is out, a fact which makes me jealous).
But here's the funny thing. When the power did come back on, I didn't immediately jump on the internet. I did several other things, and it was at least an hour later before I got onto the information super highway. It wasn't that I didn't want to. It was just that, once the power was back on, I took for granted that it would stay on, so I didn't feel a particular sense of urgency to hurry up and do the things that required power while I could. (As it turned out, I was mostly right - the power stayed on for several hours before going out again for about an hour later in the afternoon.) Anyway, it was an interesting object lesson for me - too often in life, we do take for granted the things that are "always" there, in the background. I know I, for one, don't take enough time to be thankful for those types of things. Hmmm. Something to think about, and possibly to change.
The island is faring well so far during this storm. There's the usual flooding in the standard areas where it's expected, but no major issues that I've heard about. I haven't seen anyone kayaking down my street, so it's not as bad as that nor'easter last November. (Or at least not yet, anyway.)
So this morning, when the power was out for several hours, what bothered me the most was not the humidity in my house (although I was pleased when the power - read: the AC - came back on), and it wasn't that poor Connor was stuck inside, bored and sick of the rain (I was, too, and there are certainly worse things in life). No, what bothered me the most was that I couldn't log on to the internet and find out what was happening, what the radar looked like, even what my friends were posting on Facebook about the storm (some of my friends have generators, others use their cell phones to post, so they are still connected even when the power is out, a fact which makes me jealous).
But here's the funny thing. When the power did come back on, I didn't immediately jump on the internet. I did several other things, and it was at least an hour later before I got onto the information super highway. It wasn't that I didn't want to. It was just that, once the power was back on, I took for granted that it would stay on, so I didn't feel a particular sense of urgency to hurry up and do the things that required power while I could. (As it turned out, I was mostly right - the power stayed on for several hours before going out again for about an hour later in the afternoon.) Anyway, it was an interesting object lesson for me - too often in life, we do take for granted the things that are "always" there, in the background. I know I, for one, don't take enough time to be thankful for those types of things. Hmmm. Something to think about, and possibly to change.
The island is faring well so far during this storm. There's the usual flooding in the standard areas where it's expected, but no major issues that I've heard about. I haven't seen anyone kayaking down my street, so it's not as bad as that nor'easter last November. (Or at least not yet, anyway.)
Ferry update
SOME FERRY ROUTES ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO TROPICAL STORM
High winds affecting safe crossing of waterways
MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division has suspended ferry operations at Ocracoke, Swan Quarter, Cedar Island, Hatteras and Pamlico River routes. Southport-Fort Fisher and Currituck-Knotts Island routes are currently operating normally. Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach route is running only one boat for a half schedule.
Operations will return to normal as soon as it is deemed safe by the U.S. Coast Guard to cross the rivers and sounds safely.
For up-to-date information, call 1-800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and Press 1, or go to www.ncferry.org.
High winds affecting safe crossing of waterways
MANNS HARBOR — The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division has suspended ferry operations at Ocracoke, Swan Quarter, Cedar Island, Hatteras and Pamlico River routes. Southport-Fort Fisher and Currituck-Knotts Island routes are currently operating normally. Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach route is running only one boat for a half schedule.
Operations will return to normal as soon as it is deemed safe by the U.S. Coast Guard to cross the rivers and sounds safely.
For up-to-date information, call 1-800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and Press 1, or go to www.ncferry.org.
Press release 4 - 9/30 at 10 AM
Public Advisory
Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10 AM
Event: Tropical Storm/Depression Nicole
Media Contact: Jane Hodges, jhodges@hydecountync.gov
The National Weather Service continues to monitor eastern North Carolina. An additional
3-6" of heavy rain is expected throughout the day across Hyde County. There is a tornado watch issued until 1 PM and a coastal flood warning until 1:45 PM today.
There are reported secondary road flooding in Hyde County. Please use extreme caution
in these areas. Do not drive through areas with standing water. Dare County reports rain water accumulation along NC 12 on Hatteras Island especially about three miles south of bridge.
The main threat of oceanside flooding will be south of Cape Hatteras around the times of
high tide around noon today.
Winds are recorded at sustained 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Secure loose items
in your yard and businesses to prevent further damage.
All Hyde County Schools are closed today.
All Hyde County Government offices are open today.
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.
As seen in the past, hurricanes and tropical storms are unpredictable and can change with
little notice. Residents and visitors need to remain vigilant and not let your guard down.
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.
Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10 AM
Event: Tropical Storm/Depression Nicole
Media Contact: Jane Hodges, jhodges@hydecountync.gov
The National Weather Service continues to monitor eastern North Carolina. An additional
3-6" of heavy rain is expected throughout the day across Hyde County. There is a tornado watch issued until 1 PM and a coastal flood warning until 1:45 PM today.
There are reported secondary road flooding in Hyde County. Please use extreme caution
in these areas. Do not drive through areas with standing water. Dare County reports rain water accumulation along NC 12 on Hatteras Island especially about three miles south of bridge.
The main threat of oceanside flooding will be south of Cape Hatteras around the times of
high tide around noon today.
Winds are recorded at sustained 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Secure loose items
in your yard and businesses to prevent further damage.
All Hyde County Schools are closed today.
All Hyde County Government offices are open today.
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.
As seen in the past, hurricanes and tropical storms are unpredictable and can change with
little notice. Residents and visitors need to remain vigilant and not let your guard down.
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.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Press release 3 - State of Emergency - 9/29 at 5:30 PM
State of Emergency
Tropical Storm Nicole
Proclamation State of Emergency for Hyde County
Pursuant to Hyde County Ordinances, Chapter 166 A of the General Statutes and Article 36 A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, I have determined a State of Emergency exists in Hyde County.
I therefore proclaim the existence of a State of Emergency in the County of Hyde effective as of 12:01 a.m. on September 29, 2010.
I hereby direct all county law enforcement officers, county employees, public safety personnel, and all emergency management personnel, subject to my control, to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the emergency as may be necessary or convenient.
I specifically authorize and direct all applicable department heads and their employees to take such steps and to make such applications as may be necessary, useful, or convenient to mitigate the effects of crop and other damage to Hyde County and its residents and persons who work in or who are located in Hyde County arising out of Tropical Depression 16/Tropical Storm Nicole and its related weather system.
This declaration is limited to the matters herein expressly stated. It shall not limit the sale of alcohol or possession of firearms.
This proclamation is effective immediately. Proclaimed this the 29th day of September 2010.
Tom Davis, Chairman of Hyde County Board of Commissioners
Tropical Storm Nicole
Proclamation State of Emergency for Hyde County
Pursuant to Hyde County Ordinances, Chapter 166 A of the General Statutes and Article 36 A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes, I have determined a State of Emergency exists in Hyde County.
I therefore proclaim the existence of a State of Emergency in the County of Hyde effective as of 12:01 a.m. on September 29, 2010.
I hereby direct all county law enforcement officers, county employees, public safety personnel, and all emergency management personnel, subject to my control, to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the emergency as may be necessary or convenient.
I specifically authorize and direct all applicable department heads and their employees to take such steps and to make such applications as may be necessary, useful, or convenient to mitigate the effects of crop and other damage to Hyde County and its residents and persons who work in or who are located in Hyde County arising out of Tropical Depression 16/Tropical Storm Nicole and its related weather system.
This declaration is limited to the matters herein expressly stated. It shall not limit the sale of alcohol or possession of firearms.
This proclamation is effective immediately. Proclaimed this the 29th day of September 2010.
Tom Davis, Chairman of Hyde County Board of Commissioners
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
