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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:
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.
