Bulletin #5 from Dare County Emergency Management

Post Date: 08/3/2020 5:16 PM

Make Final Preparations Prior to Onset of Storm Conditions 

 
Tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the Outer Banks this evening and bring ocean and soundside flooding along with a chance of tornadoes.  Now is the time to make final preparations. Secure all outdoor furnishings, trash cans and any loose items. 
 
Ocean overwash of 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground is anticipated in vulnerable areas on Hatteras Island. Soundside flooding is expected in areas on the northern beaches that are impacted by southerly winds. Now is the time to move vehicles and other property in flood-prone areas to higher ground.
 
As weather conditions deteriorate overnight, avoid travel. Sand and water can quickly accumulate on roadways causing dangerous and impassable conditions. 
 
With the risk of tornadoes for our area, be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Keep your cell phone charged and turned on before you go to sleep. Be sure your wireless emergency alerts are enabled. If you receive a tornado warning, take action - shelter on the lowest floor in an interior room or hallway away from windows. For more information, visit ready.gov/safety/tornado.
 
A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning remain in effect for our area and a High Surf Advisory will become effective early Tuesday morning. It is important to continue to monitor the local forecast. For updated watches and warnings from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/mhx. Follow them on Twitter @NWSMoreheadCity.
 
Soundside water levels can be monitored at https://fiman.nc.gov/. 
 
Be sure to sign up to receive emergency alerts directly from Dare County Emergency Management, if you have not already done so. Remember to complete your profile by including both a home and business address so you can be reached with emergency information for specific geographic areas. Visit www.darenc.com/alerts  
 
Weather conditions are expected to improve by Tuesday morning, as the storm moves past and heads to the north-northeast. Damage assessments will be made as soon as conditions allow during daylight hours and local officials will provide an update regarding reentry to Hatteras Island on Tuesday afternoon, once the assessment is completed. 

Town of Kill Devil Hills
The Town of Kill Devil Hills’ offices and the Dry Trash Drop Off and Recycle Center will open at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020; however, due to COVID-19, all offices are accessible by appointment only. If you have business with the Town call, email, or visit our website for assistance.

Please take the time to finish any last minute preparations to ensure your safety and the protection of your property.

When disaster threatens, one of the most important things you can do is to be aware and stay informed. For this reason, it is crucial that you have multiple ways to receive warning information.

As conditions deteriorate overnight, it will be important to keep your phone charged and your Wireless Emergency Alerts turned on. In addition, sign up to receive emergency alert notifications from Kill Devil Hills and Dare County www.kdhnc.com/772. Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

We encourage you to visit and follow our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/townofkdh) and website (www.kdhnc.com/438/News) for the latest storm updates and for any changes in Kill Devil Hills' regular services schedule.

Stay safe and DO NOT walk on or drive onto water-covered roads. Entering a flooded area risks your life and the lives of people that may be sent to rescue you.

• If you're in a flood prone area, consider moving your vehicles to higher ground well before storm begins.
• Secure all refuse containers on your property and be sure to tie down or bring inside any unsecured lawn items.
•  Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Soundside water levels can be monitored at https://fiman.nc.gov/.