Hyde County Emergency Services Department
www.hydecountync.gov
1223 Main St., PO Box
Swan Quarter NC 27885
(252) 926-4372 - Office
(252) 926-3901 - Fax
David Smitherman, Interim County Manager

Public Advisory #4
Date: Wednesday, September 01, 2010, 1:30 pm
Event: Hurricane Earl

Media Contact: #252-926-4368 (new number for public and media inquiries)

A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all visitors and residents of Ocracoke as of 5 AM on Wednesday, September 1. The hurricane watch for this area has been upgraded to a hurricane warning for mainland Hyde and Outer Banks Hyde. We are expecting 60-70 mph sustained winds in the Ocracoke area and tropical storm force wind gusts on the mainland. There is a potential 1-3 foot storm surge for Swan Quarter and Engelhard.

The NC Ferry system is operating on a first-come, first –serve basis for all vehicles open to Hatteras, Swan Quarter, and Cedar Island pending road conditions in those receiving counties. Schedules and toll collections are suspended during the evacuation order. All island residents and tourists must leave today; congestion is low and weather is cooperative.

Emergency services, government agencies, commercial vendors delivering essential groceries and supplies, and permanent residential traffic as indicated by purple and green stickers will be allowed on the island via air and marine traffic. The State Highway Patrol may restrict access without appropriate credentials.

Before leaving, residents and guests in this area should take precautions such as moving cars and equipment to higher ground. Please pick up potential debris that could become unsecure during the storm.

People with medical needs and unique situations are urged to consider their options. All Hyde County public safety services will cease after winds reach 50 mph sustained.

Those seeking shelter may travel to North Pitt High School, 5659 N. Highway 11, Bethel, NC. This shelter will be open at 9 am on Wednesday, September 1. Evacuees are encouraged to register with http://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/ with the American Red Cross.

This is the only information available at this time. Please tune in to local radio 90.1 FM on the island, the National Weather Service, and local television reports.

As seen in the past, hurricanes 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 after the 6 pm meeting.
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. Reentry will occur when damage assessments are complete and the island is safe for all to return.

My friend Warner sent the following links, which he thought our readers might like to have:

Hyde County notices... http://www.hydecounty.org/HurricaneNotice/default.asp

Some Ocracoke webcams....

http://www.ocracokeharborinn.com/webcam.html
http://www.ocracokeharborinn.com/webcam_teachs.html
http://www.thecastlebb.com/Webcam
http://www.ocracokeairport.com/

Thanks, Warner.

Just in case any reporters are reading my blog, the Hyde County Emergency Services Department (www.hydecountync.gov) has issued a new number for any media contacts. It is
252-926-4368.

Many thanks to all of our readers who are keeping Ocracoke and our community in your thoughts. We appreciate it very much. As long as I have power and Internet access I'll let you know what is going on here on the island. Right now all is calm and beautiful!

Oh what a beautiful morning! The sky is bright and sunny -- temperature in the mid 70s. It reminds me of Sept. 13, 1944. Aycock Brown had gotten word that a powerful storm was moving toward Ocracoke (this was in the days long before anyone but the military was tracking hurricanes). Aycock posted signs around the village, trying to warn people, but hardly anyone believed him; the weather was simply too beautiful.

However, Stacy Howard, who had heart problems, and whose doctor warned him not to get overly-stressed, decided to heed Aycock's predictions "just in case," so he wouldn't worry so much when the storm hit. In those days most skiffs were simply tied to stakes in the harbor. By the end of the day Stacy had so many lines running from his boat to other stakes and anchors that the other men said it looked like a huge spider web.
The "44 Hurricane" hit Ocracoke with a vengeance! Winds were over 100 miles an hour, many houses were flooded by the rising tide, and boats were scattered all over the village. Several ended up in front of the Island Inn.



The bow of one was poking in the door of a house.



But Stacy Howard's skiff was right where he'd tied her up.

From that time on, whenever anyone saw Stacy tying his boat up for a hurricane, everyone took him seriously and began their own preparations.

It is different today. It is bright and sunny, but everyone knows that a storm is on its way. So everyone is making preparations. I'll keep you posted.

Hyde County Emergency Services Department
www.hydecountync.gov
1223 Main St., PO Box
Swan Quarter NC 27885
(252) 926-4372 - Office
(252) 926-3901 - Fax
David Smitherman, Interim County Manager

Public Advisory #2

Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 8:30 pm
Event: Hurricane Earl
Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com, 252-925-0058

A state of emergency has been declared for Hyde County effective 9 PM today. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all visitors and residents of Ocracoke beginning at 5 AM on Wednesday, September 1.

The NC Ferry system will be on a first-come, first –serve basis for all vehicles open to Hatteras, Swan Quarter, and Cedar Island pending road conditions in those receiving counties. Schedules and toll collections are suspended during the evacuation order.

Emergency services, government agencies, commercial vendors delivering essential groceries and supplies, and permanent residential traffic as indicated by purple and green stickers will be allowed on the island via air and marine traffic. The State Highway Patrol may restrict access without appropriate credentials.

Before leaving, residents and guests in this area should take precautions such as moving cars and equipment to higher ground. Please pick up potential debris that could become unsecure during the storm.

People with medical needs and unique situations are urged to consider their options. Hyde County public safety services will cease after winds reach 50 mph sustained.

Those seeking shelter may travel to North Pitt High School, 5659 N. Highway 11, Bethel, NC. This shelter will be open at 9 am on Wednesday, September 1.

This is the only information available at this time. Please tune in to local radio 90.1 FM on the island, the National Weather Service, and local television reports.

As seen in the past, hurricanes 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 after the 6 pm meeting.

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.

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

A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the East Coast of the United States from north of Surf City North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border...including the Pamlico and Albemarle
sounds. This, of course, includes Ocracoke.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area within the next 36 hours.

I'd say the general mood on Ocracoke is to be watchful and to make preparations (cutting limbs form overhanging trees, stocking up on supplies [beer seems to be a popular supply], taking boats out of the water, moving outdoor items that might blow around, etc.), but most folks are anticipating being able to ride out the storm OK.

I'll keep you posted.

National Park Service News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: August 31, 2010
CONTACT: Cyndy Holda, Public Information Officer, 252-473-2111, ext.
148


NPS Visitor Centers, Campgrounds and Beach Closures

The National Weather Service is predicting that the effects of Hurricane Earl will impact the Outer Banks Group units, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, by Thursday, September 2, 2010 with storm conditions continuing through Friday, September 3, 2010.

In anticipation of this weather event, on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, the Ocracoke Visitor Center will close at 12:00 noon and the Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will close 5:00 p.m. The Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds will close at 12:00 noon. The Ocracoke Campground reservation system has
been temporarily suspended.

The last climb for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1 and the Lighthouse will close at 3:00 p.m.

By Thursday, expected ocean overwash and rough surf conditions will create unsafe conditions on Seashore beaches and off-road vehicle use will be prohibited until safe conditions allow for this recreational activity.

For more information, listen to NOAA weather radio and local radio and media for updates and advisories.

-NPS-

Hyde County Emergency Services Department
www.hydecountync.gov
1223 Main St., PO Box
Swan Quarter NC 27885
(252) 926-4372 - Office
(252) 926-3901 - Fax
David Smitherman, Interim County Manager

Public Advisory #1
Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 1 pm
Event: Hurricane Earl

Media Contact: Jamie Tunnell, jamietunnell@gmail.com, 252-925-0058

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Earl, a well-developed current category 4 hurricane, is forecast to impact the Outer Banks as it makes a NE turn off the coast. This will affect Hyde County with significant wind, rain, and storm surges that may flood low-lying areas of Hyde County, both on the Mainland and Ocracoke.

Local, county, and state Emergency Management representatives are aware and are monitoring this storm closely. They have decided to implement preparedness measures. They will meet this evening to review the latest forecast. Presently, they anticipate a mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island on Wednesday, September 1 beginning at 5 AM for all residents and visitors.

Swell from Earl will begin to arrive late today with seas building to small craft advisory levels by Wednesday. The large swell will enhance the rip current threat starting today. Based on the current track, seas up to 20 feet are probable in the coastal waters. Even if the track remains offshore, breakers on the Outer Banks could be up to 15 ft. Overwash issues are likely on the Outer Banks ocean side Thursday night after midnight, peaking between midnight and 6 AM Friday. High tide will be around 230 AM.

Before leaving, residents and guests in this area should take precautions such as moving cars and equipment to higher ground. Please pick up potential debris that could become unsecure during the storm.

People with medical needs and unique situations are urged to consider their options. Hyde County public safety services will cease after winds reach 50 mph sustained.

Again, there is not an evacuation in place at this time, but all are encouraged to make plans for their safety and security.

As seen in the past, hurricanes 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 after the 6 pm meeting.

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.

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

Ocracoke is quiet this morning...and islanders are calm, but making a few preparations for whatever comes. There is no panic here, just a wait-and-see attitude for now. A few folks have been taking boats out of the water (David & I got my boat out this morning), and moving larger boats to more secure locations. And people have been putting outdoor items away.

I haven't heard of any evacuations yet, but I'll let you all know as soon as I hear any official reports (or well-founded local news).

I think it's still too early to tell what track Earl will ultimately take, though it seems almost certain that the storm will at least brush the Outer Banks.

Congratulations to our anonymous reader who answered the trivia question at 10:02 am this morning!

On Saturday, August 28, I posed a question to our readers: Why did old houses not have closets?

The answer is: The wire coat hanger had not been invented! It was invented in 1903 by Albert J. Parkhouse. Prior to 1903 clothes were hung on nails or pegs, or folded and stored in trunks or shelves (some houses had "closets" but they were simply shelves enclosed by a door, not true closets as we have today).

I learned this quite by accident from Lou Ann. I had given her a book, The Geography of Home, and the answer lay within.

You can do an Internet search for "invention of the coat hanger" or "Albert J. Parkhouse" for more information.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecrafsmen.com/news082110.htm.

Signs are pointing to the end of summer, and the beginning of fall. Days are becoming noticeably shorter, and quieter. Amy, David, Lachlan, and I took a walk Saturday night, and we all commented on how delightful it was. The temperature was in the mid 70s, and there was hardly any humidity. Daytime temperatures this week are predicted to be in the mid-80s. We know, of course, that we'll still have some hot, humid days through September, but the long stretches of wilting heat are behind us.

In addition, college students and other summer employees are talking about heading back to school, or back to their home countries. At the same time, streets are less crowded, and parking lots much emptier. Those of us who live on Ocracoke are starting to think about enjoying more time for ourselves, our families, and our community...and we should still have several weeks of superb weather to enjoy.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

Many thanks to Jaren who snapped the photo, below, of a recent waterspout out in Pamlico Sound. We don't often hear of damage caused by waterspouts...though you wouldn't want to be in a boat in one's path! And we did have a house destroyed by a waterspout that came ashore near "the pond" a number of years ago. Luckily no one was in the house.

They do make dramatic viewing though.



(Click on the photo to view a larger image.)

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

The house I live in is a traditional "story and a jump" Ocracoke house. It was built around 1865. As many of our readers know, I rehabilitated the house about six years ago. I often give friends tours of the house (they don't take long...the house only has about 1100 square feet of space). I always point out my one and only closet.



(Click on photo to view larger image.)

It is in the downstairs bedroom, extremely small, and clearly an afterthought...with a door simply cut out of the beadboard wall. And I always ask my one trivia question, which I now pose to you:

Why did these old houses not have closets?

If you think you know, please click on the comment link below and post your answer (if I've already told you the answer please don't spoil it for others...and please don't post the answer if you had to look it up...just educated guesses please). I'll post the answer in a few days.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

I recently received the following press release from the National Park Service re. rip currents. I want to make it perfectly clear that ocean swimming at Ocracoke is fun, relaxing, and a delight. We have one of the best beaches in the country. I swim in the ocean regularly, as do thousands of other people...locals and visitors alike.

Unfortunately, dangerous rip currents do sometimes form. With a little bit of common sense and accurate information you can enjoy our beach...and avoid the danger of rip currents. The Park Service notice below is one of the best and most accurate explanations I have ever come across. Please read it carefully...and enjoy a safe and wonderful day at the beach!

Be Aware of Dangerous Ocean Surf and Currents

Rough surf conditions routinely produce life-threatening rip currents capable of overtaking even the strongest swimmers and surfers. The National Park Service offers the following information and tips to help Outer Banks visitors avoid this potentially deadly ocean hazard.

Rip currents are channels of water that develop in an opening in a sand bar. Though relatively narrow near the beach, rip currents can increase to over 50 yards in width as they extend up to 1000 feet offshore. The velocity of the water can be as high as 5 mph.

Rip currents can be identified before entering the water. Look for an area of murky water due to sediment mixing as the channel opened in the sandbar. If the rip current has lasted a long time, the color of the water will appear darker than the surrounding water because of the channel carved by the flowing water. Rip currents will also move objects and/or foam steadily seaward and will cause a break in the incoming wave pattern.

The most common mistake of those caught in a rip current is to panic and attempt to swim directly back toward the shore. Even the best Olympic swimmers can not successfully swim towards the shore in the strongest rip currents. Rip currents can pull a swimmer away from the shore but not under the water.

Safety Tips

* Stay out of the water during dangerous surf conditions.

*Know how to swim. Non-swimmers should not rely on floats, such as boogie boards, while in deep water.

* Always swim near a lifeguard.

* Locate rip currents before entering the water.

* Tune in to NOAA weather radio and monitor websites (National Weather Service, Eastern Dare County, NC) and local media for updated surf conditions during your stay on the Outer Banks.

* Check with the lifeguards about rip currents and other hazardous conditions.

* Do not attempt to rescue someone caught in a rip current. Notify a lifeguard or, if there is no lifeguard, yell directions on how to escape, throw the victim something that floats, and call 911.

What to do if caught in a rip current:

* Remain calm. Remember, it will not pull you under.

* Swim parallel to the shore until you break free, then swim diagonally toward the shore.

* If you cannot swim out of the current, float until it weakens, then swim diagonally toward the shore.

* Summon help by waving your hands.

For more information on rip currents, ask a lifeguard or check the website at http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

Since this month's Ocracoke Newsletter is about the Wahab family, and features a story about Myra Wahab, I thought I'd share one of Myra's recipes (published in the Ocracoke Cook Book):

Remove shells and clean 1 lb. of cooked shrimp. Melt 2 tbsp. of butter; stir in until blended 1 1/4 tbsp of flour. Slowly stir in 1 c. of cream. When sauce is thick, stir in 3 tbsp. of tomato catsup and 3/4 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce. Add shrimp; stir until the shrimp are well heated. Season with salt, paprika and a few grains of cayenne pepper.

Immediately before serving, add 2 tbsp. of sherry wine. Serve over rice.

Remember, "Friends don't let friends buy imported shrimp," at least if you're anywhere near the coast and can get fresh, locally harvested shrimp.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

Today was Lachlan's first day of school. I'm not sure how many children will be in his grade, but I did hear that there are more than 150 students in the school this year...the most there have ever been.


Since Ocracoke School has no cafeteria (I believe it's the only school in the state without one) he will walk home for lunch. Then I can hear how his morning went.

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

2010 marks the fourth year for our annual Ocrafolk School. Held the last week of October (from Sunday, October 24 - Friday, October 29), the school offers classes in photography, cooking, jewelry making, Ocracoke Island history, customs & nautical lore, and ships-in-bottles.

The OcraFolk School is a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill or improve an existing one, or immerse yourself in island culture while enjoying superb food, outstanding music, and island living in a creative community atmosphere.

I understand there are still a very few openings in some of the classes (sorry, but the Ocracoke Sampler class I teach with Captain Rob Temple and park ranger David Frum is already full).

Take a look at the OcraFolk School web site to learn more about the school and what we have to offer: http://www.ocrafolkschool.org/

We hope to see you in October!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

Back in the 90s I signed up to participate in a two week Witness for Peace delegation to Nicaragua and Guatemala. I would be flying out of Miami. Al & Linda were interested in making a road trip to Florida...so we all traveled together in my van. Al & Linda visited the Everglades and other parts of Florida while I was in Central America.

When I returned I had many stories about US involvement in Nicaragua and Guatemala, as well as about the people and cultures there. And I also mentioned how much I missed being able to get a good doughnut.

Al had noticed a topless doughnut store not far from our hotel, and he offered to take me there (Linda didn't go...it wasn't the doughnuts that were topless). I ordered two glazed doughnuts, but could only eat one. My stomach was still adjusting to being back in the US. So I asked for a bag so I could take the other doughnut with me.

The girl at the counter said I was the only person she ever waited on who asked for a doughnut "to go!"

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.

When Lou Ann injured her back in China several months ago, and ended up in the hospital in Beijing, island residents Ralph and Vera put me in touch with their son Greg who lives in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. He offered advice, help, and contacts, all of which were a great comfort.

Greg has been visiting his parents on Ocracoke for several days, and Ralph and Vera invited me and Linda and Al over for hamburgers last night.

Ralph and Vera had served in the Peace Corps in Panama when they were first married, and Al and Linda met in Cameroon while working with the Peace Corps. Greg has lived and worked in China for a number of years.

It was a delightful and very interesting evening as conversation moved from one fascinating subject to another. In the course of the evening we explored the geography, politics, and language of China, topless doughnut stores in Florida, Witness for Peace delegations to Central America, higher education, prostitution, sailing, drunken monks, molas, and hoarding...among other subjects. As I said, it was an interesting (and mirth-filled) evening!

This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.