Hurricane Joaquin Update #2

Dare County officials are closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Joaquin. The Dare County Control Group met this morning to review the latest information from the National Weather Service. With current forecast uncertainty, the Control Group will meet again on Friday morning, October 2 when the storm’s track and impacts for the Outer Banks are more accurately known.

A flood watch is in effect for Dare County through Saturday evening with 4 to 7 inches of rainfall expected. Based on the current forecast, tropical storm force winds may reach the area late Saturday evening bringing high winds, rough seas, and dangerous rip currents. Soundside flooding is also a possibility as the storm passes through the region.

It is important for residents and visitors to stay informed and begin taking necessary steps to protect property such as securing loose outdoor objects and boats. Assemble or restock your disaster supply kit with essential supplies to sustain your family and pets for up to three days. Preparedness information is available at www.ncready.org.

Dare County will continue to monitor conditions and provide periodic updates about Hurricane Joaquin. The next scheduled update will be Friday, October 2 at 11:30 a.m.

To receive e-mail alerts directly from Dare County Emergency Management, visit www.darecountyem.com and follow @DareCoEM on Twitter.

From NPS:

The Outer Banks Group National Parks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial, have begun the initial implementation of the Group’s Hurricane Plan in anticipation of the approach of Hurricane Joaquin. 

In anticipation of this weather event, the National Park Service will begin closing facilities effective noon today, Thursday, October 1, 2015.

• All NPS campgrounds, Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet will begin closing at noon today, Thursday, October 1, 2015 and remain closed until further notice.  The Ocracoke Recreation.gov campground reservation system has been temporarily suspended. 
• Silver Lake Marina NPS rented docks will begin closing at noon today, Thursday, October 1.
• Ocracoke, Hatteras Island and Bodie Island NPS Visitor Centers will begin closing at noon today, Thursday, October 1 and then remain closed until further notice.  Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site will be closed Friday, October 2.  All previously scheduled evening programs are cancelled as of Thursday, October 1 until further notice.
• Climbing at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will close at noon today, Thursday, October 1 and remain closed until further notice.  All park special programs scheduled have been cancelled until further notice.
• Climbing at the Bodie Island Lighthouse will close at noon today, Thursday, October 1
• All NPS beaches will be closed to off-road vehicles by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2 and remain closed until further notice.
• The Buxton, Ocracoke, and Bodie Island Off-Road Vehicle Permit offices will close at noon on today, Thursday, October 1.