August 30, 2023

Tropical Storm Warning Now 

in Effect for Dare County

View the latest weather briefing from the National Weather Service.

(Disclaimer: The information contained in the NWS briefings are time-sensitive. Note expiration time on briefing.)

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for all areas of Dare County due to expected impacts from Hurricane Idalia.

A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that tropical storm conditions—including sustained winds of 39 mph to 73 mph—are expected within 36 hours or less.

Storm Watch vs. Warning

Tropical storm WATCH conditions are possible. 

Tropical storm WARNING conditions are expected.

Residents and visitors throughout Dare County should expect:

• Increasing winds that should peak at 35-45 mph with gusts of up to 55 mph on Thursday, August 31, 2023, and diminishing slowly on Friday, September 1, 2023. Actions should be taken now to secure loose property to keep it from becoming a projectile hazard.
• 4-8 inches of flooding rain with locally higher amounts, as well as rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and standing water on roadways impacting travel.
• Potential tornado activity. Always have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially at night.

In addition, those on Hatteras Island should prepare for: 

• Between 1-3 feet of above-ground storm surge inundation along the oceanfront, as well as soundside from Buxton to Hatteras Village.
• Actions should be taken to protect vehicles and property parked or stored in areas that may flood.

Travel on N.C. Highway 12 may be impacted by ocean overwash, especially during high tide. Those in vulnerable oceanfront homes that have the potential to be surrounded by ocean water due to no existing dune structure should relocated. 

Turn around, don't drown! For current road conditions from NCDOT, visit drivenc.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter or Facebook. 

Are you prepared in the event of a power outage?

• Be sure all of your devices are charged ahead of predicted storms. 
• Have important items easily accessible.
• If you plan to use a generator, keep it outside & at least 20 feet away from the house.

Sign Up For Emergency Alerts

Receiving warnings for dangerous events can save your life. OBXAlerts is a platform for alerts and notifications from Dare County and the Town.

Subscribers will receive emergency alerts including severe weather watches and warnings, public safety and emergency-related warnings, such as county-wide evacuation orders and other time critical notifications.

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