TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AS TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR APPROACHES

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the Outer Banks. Residents and visitors are asked to make preparations as soon as possible.

Post Date: 05/17/2020 7:41 AM

Tropical Depression One has strengthened into Tropical Storm Arthur with maximum sustained winds at 40mph. A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the Outer Banks and is expected to bring tropical storm force winds and rain to the area beginning Sunday evening and into Monday. Dangerous rip currents are already being experienced along the beaches and will continue over the next several days.  Ocean swimming is not recommended, stay out of the water.

Residents and visitors are asked to make preparations as soon as possible.  

• In preparation for the storm, all outdoor furnishings, trash cans and any loose items should be properly secured. 
• Be ready to protect all property, including motor vehicles from possible storm surge of 1-2 feet of water above ground in low lying areas.
• As winds and rain increase, be ready to minimize travel. If you must go out do not drive on flooded roads.
• If you lose power or other utilities, do not call 911. Use customer service numbers to report power outages.  Dominion Power: 1-866-366-4357, Tideland:  1-800-882-1001. Cape Hatteras:  1-866-511-9862.
• Provide shelter for pets.
• Keep cell phones charged.   
• Ensure that flashlights and a battery-powered radio are in good working order. Have plenty of batteries. Use of candles and other open-flame light sources is not recommended

To sign up to receive alerts from Emergency Management go to www.darenc.com/departments/emergency-management/emergency-alerts.

Keep up with forecast changes from the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov or local National Weather Service office at www.weather.gov/mhx.