From our news services
Hyde County officials have issued a state of emergency effective at 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.
Hyde County is currently under a Winter Storm Watch. This declaration comes as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns of a significant Nor’easter capable of producing dangerous blizzard conditions across the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula and Ocracoke Island.
For a storm to be classified as a blizzard, it must meet the following criteria for at least three consecutive hours:
- Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mphor greater.
- Visibility of less than 1/4 mile due to falling or blowing snow.
- Extreme snowfall rates: Snowfall of 1 to 2 inches per hour, leading to whiteout conditions and making travel impossible.
Forecasted impacts for Hyde County:
- Snowfall: Anywhere from 10 to 16 inches of snow; totals will depend on where the heavy bands eventually land. Hyde County is currently in the zone for the heavy bands.
- Wind: Gusts are forecasted at 55 to 65 mph for the Outer Banks and 40-50 mph for inland areas.
- Coastal flooding: Ocracoke and coastal areas may see 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level, which will likely close portions of NC12.
- Extreme cold: Wind chills will drop dangerously low Saturday night through Monday.
- Long-lasting impacts: Impacts may last into the majority of next week.
- Closures: Decisions regarding the closure of county offices and solid waste sites will be made as the storm approaches. Check your local TV news, our website, or social media outlets for updates.
Critical safety & medical alerts:
- EMS impacts: Residents are advised that EMS response times will be significantly impacted by hazardous travel conditions. If roads become impassable due to deep snow or soundside flooding, or white-out conditions restrict visibility, emergency vehicles may be unable to reach you immediately.
- Medical preparedness: Anyone with medical issues or special needs should have enough supplies and medications on hand to last for up to one week.
- Backup power: If you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, you must have a backup power source ready, as isolated power outages are possible due to high winds.
- Be prepared: Residents are urged to complete all necessary preparations by Friday evening.
Remember: Bridges freeze before roads do. Please stay off the roads once conditions deteriorate to allow crews to work. Check on your neighbors and ensure your pets are brought indoors.
Hyde County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the forecast and issue updates as required.
Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information on winter weather safety and preparation. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
For the latest NWS Morehead City Weather Advisory Click Here.
