While Hurricane Dorian threatens Florida and the local weather forecast today (Saturday) is for fair weather, the National Weather Service in Morehead City warns of an enhanced risk of rip currents from this storm.
Erik Heden, warning coordination meteorologist, said in an email to the press that we will see impacts from Dorian through this weekend and next week. An enhanced risk of rip currents and will persist through next week.
Ocracoke beach goers should monitor the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City forecast and be mindful of the conditions when deciding to enter the water.
Lifeguards are on duty at the Lifeguard Beach through Monday.
Although Hurricane Dorian is at least a couple of days away from directly impacting the Southeast United States, due to the approach and potential impacts of Hurricane Dorian, Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday declared “a State of Emergency for North Carolina due to anticipated widespread transportation delays.” Hurricane Dorian creates an imminent threat of severe economic loss of livestock, poultry and crops ready to be harvested, Cooper said in a press release.
Cooper issued the order to help farmers statewide after conferring with North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.
“Some farmers have let us know that they are taking action now to harvest and transfer crops to protect them from potential damage and they need these restrictions lifted,” Cooper said.
The declaration lifts restrictions on transportation to ensure critical needs like fuel, medicine and water can get to those affected by Hurricane Dorian if it hits North Carolina. It also lifts restrictions on equipment needed to repair utilities and remove debris so those tools are easier to mobilize after the storm.
The official forecast has been to slow Dorian down early next week as the storm makes landfall over Florida, with a possible turn northward thereafter, said Justin Gibbs, Hyde County Emergency Services Director.
This possible turn could bring impacts to our area the middle to end of next week. Since the storm is moving very slow, confidence in the eventual track and any impacts remains low at this time.
“Minor changes in the forecast over the short-term could have major implications for North Carolina, so it is imperative that everyone monitor the weather over the weekend,” he said.
