Image from Weather Underground
Image from Weather Underground

For Ocracoke news, click here.

Update from National Weather Service, click here

Note this story has been  updated Aug. 29, 5:05 p..m, including possible ferry disruptions. See below.

Aug. 29, 2016 10 a.m.

Ocracoke could use some rain, and it looks like we’ll get some. How much is to be determined.

Storm activity in the Atlantic is starting to pick up. The National Weather Service reported that Tropical Depression Eight formed Sunday in the western Atlantic Ocean between North Carolina and Bermuda and is expected to head west-northwest

A tropical storm watch has been issued for portions of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This means tropical storm-force winds are possible within the watch area in the next 48 hours or less.

So far, due to wind shear and a lack of persistent, deep convection, the system as of early Monday morning has not strengthened but is expected to by this evening.

Impact will be mainly from Tuesday into early Wednesday with one to three inches of rain.

The system will also generate high surf and dangerous rip currents along the coastal Carolinas.

Adding to the mix will be swells from distant Hurricane Gaston.

Widespread, damaging winds are not expected.

Update from Hyde County Emergency Services:

Ocracoke Island visitors should strongly consider the projected impacts from Tropical Depression Eight and Tropical Depression Nine when deciding whether to remain on the island or to depart early this week.
With regard to Tropical Depression Eight, Ocracoke and OBX Dare County are forecast to receive heavy rainfall and rough surf which may result in transportation delays or impassable roads.
Additionally, the tropical storm-force wind speed probability for Ocracoke is 40 to 50 percent, which means that there is a 40 to 50 percent chance of tropical storm-force surface winds with a one-minute average of greater than or equal to 39 mph.
Standing water and tropical storm-force winds could impact ferry operations tomorrow evening into Wednesday.
There will also be a high risk of rip currents along the Ocracoke beaches today and the dangerous conditions are likely to continue through Wednesday. This means that dangerous conditions exist for all levels of swimmers. Visitors need to consult with the National Park Service Cape Hatteras National Seashore and heed the advice of the lifeguards when evaluating whether it is safe to enter the water at any of the Ocracoke beaches.
 
The strongest winds are expected to remain along or just off the coast. Mariners are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain in port during tropical storm conditions.
 
The Hyde County Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor the forecast for Tropical Depression Eight and issues advisories as appropriate.
We urge everyone to maintain situational awareness as this system approaches our coast.
It is important to stay informed. Please visit us on at www.facebook.com/HCESD . or www.facebook.com/Hyde-County-Public-Information.
You may also follow us @HydeNC on Twitter

 

Update from the NC Ferry Division:

Ferry Division Prepares For Tropical Depression
Service interruptions possible Tuesday PM-Wednesday AM

MANNS HARBOR – The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division is prepared for the arrival of Tropical Depression #8, which is forecast to come close to North Carolina’s Outer Banks on Tuesday.

A tropical storm watch has been posted from Cape Lookout to Oregon Inlet. Winds associated with the storm could reach 35 to 45 miles per hour in the area, with gusts to 55 mph possible. If that forecast comes to pass, it is likely that ferry service interruptions will occur, most likely on the Hatteras Inlet and Pamlico Sound routes.

“Safety is always our top priority, so passengers should prepare for service suspensions from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesdaymorning if wind and tidal conditions warrant,” said Ferry Division Director Ed Goodwin. “Hopefully this system will be on its way out to sea by Wednesday afternoon, and we’ll be back to our full schedule long before Labor Day travelers arrive.”

At this point no evacuations have been ordered, so all N.C. ferry routes will remain on their regular schedules until conditions deteriorate.

 

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