To read stories about Dorian and its aftermath, search Hurricane Dorian on this website.
Five years ago today, islanders woke up to an inundated island brought on by Hurricane Dorian.
Several areas of the island previously deemed high enough to withstand a hurricane storm surge lost that designation as the Dorian surge of 7.4 feet swept over the island around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2019.
The community reeled as more than 400 homes and buildings were flooded; many homes and beloved icons, such as the former Captain Ben’s and the school, had to be torn down. More than 300 vehicles were totaled. On the mainland United States, Ocracoke received the worst impact of this category 1 storm.
The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department immediately became the command center where food and supplies were housed and distributed and where local officials and volunteers coordinated the massive relief effort of clean up, recovery and rebuilding.
Because Ocracoke does not have the required large population, it did not qualify for a FEMA personal assistance declaration, but the state of North Carolina awarded Hyde County two $650,000 grants to be used for rebuilding.
Many individuals and groups sent much-needed supplies. More than $1 million was donated through contributions via the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
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The Ocracoke Interfaith Relief & Recovery Team was founded as a nonprofit to manage the three+ years of rebuilding and it can be activated as a contribution receiver should such an emergency strike the island.
Dozens of buildings have been raised in an effort to withstand future flooding and more are scheduled to be raised in the coming months.
Ocracoke residents remember and greatly appreciate the generosity and support by so many individuals and organizations that rushed to help out an island in need.
Islanders have become wary of future storms, and the experience of Dorian has a had psychological impact.
“It’s not if, but when another Dorian-level hurricane will strike,” has been an observation shared by many.
Although Ocracoke has been fortunate not to have had another hurricane since, the island has been battered by several northeasters that have seriously eroded the north end of the island, demolishing the stacking lanes at the South Dock ferry terminal and causing frequent overwash at the narrow area of NC 12 on the north end.
How Ocracoke can withstand drastic changes due to rising sea levels is the subject of a study launched recently by the National Park Service.
Hurricane season lasts from June into November and while some Atlantic disturbances are happening, none are bearing down on the Outer Banks at the moment. It’s too early to say we have avoided another catastrophe.
The National Weather Service will hold four hurricane community forums over the next three weeks to coincide with the traditional peak of hurricane season. Forums will be held in Greenville, Hatteras, Pollocksville and Belhaven.
To attend, visit www.weather.gov/mhx/hurricanecommunityforums for details, get directions, or view past recordings.
