Tropical Storm Hanna Skirts by the Outer Banks
As our eyes and thoughts turn to the Texas coastline and Hurricane Ike, residents of the Outer Banks of North Carolina are thankful that Topical Storm Hanna paid little more than a brief visit to the Outer Banks.
Thankfully, the worst of the weather delivered to the coast by Tropical Storm Hanna were some heavy rains and strong winds the morning of Saturday, September 6th. The brunt of the storm left the area by noon; however, later in the afternoon, slight sound side flooding slowed traffic in two areas of the Outer Banks. The minor sound side flooding was been reported near Manteo, Collington, and Pea Island. The coastal flood threat diminished once Hanna’s wind relaxed and low tide approached.
There was some flooding experienced in area marinas as well as the tropical storm’s winds pushed the Pasquotank River inland. Tidal over wash flooded some streets, but no significant flooding or wind damage was reported.
Luckily, Tropical Storm Hanna left only standing water in places along the highway and scattered tree limbs in her wake. Hanna’s winds, though they were strong, fortunately didn’t damage the delicate dunes the Outer Banks is famous for and also left the oceanfront without major beach erosion.
Labels: Hurricane Ike, Hurricane season, Outer Banks, Tropical Storm Hanna
The Outer Banks Brace for Tropical Storm HannaIt is indeed “that time of year” as Tropical Storm Hanna approaches the Carolina coastline. Experts predict that the most likely area of landfall will be along the Carolina coast between Charleston, South Carolina and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The timing of landfall can be anywhere between late evening on Friday, 5 September to the early morning hours of Saturday, 6 September. There is some chance that Tropical Storm Hanna could shift sharply and could just graze the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect from the Altamaha Sound of Georgia northwards along the Atlantic Coast to Chincoteague, Virginia. This area included Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and extends and north into Chesapeake Bay to Smith Point. Hurricane watches remains in effect from north of Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Currituck Beach Light in North Carolina, including the area of Pamlico Sound.It is possible that Tropical Storm Hanna will move inland and then pass over eastern North Carolina early Saturday morning with an increase in forward speed. Rain and wind from the tropical storm could start as early as Friday night. The governor of North Carolina, Mike Easley has declared a State of Emergency, freeing up state resources for storm response. Governor Easley has urged residents to listen to weather forecasts because the path of Tropical Storm Hanna could change. "No, you're not in the clear if you're not in the track we talked about today," the governor said. "You're in the clear after the storm goes through and didn't bother you. Everybody needs to pay attention."
Labels: Hurricane season, Tropical Storm Hanna
Get Ready for Hurricane Season
Well it’s almost that time of year again. Nope it’s not Christmas, but the dreaded hurricane season. The Atlantic Hurricane season officially starts June 1st, so get ready. 2007 was a relatively calm year, and hopefully 2008 will be as well.
The Outer Banks has many safety and evacuation procedures to follow if a Hurricane or storm is approaching. Make sure you know in advance what evacuation route you are going to take. Try to give yourself plenty of time so you are not caught in the big evacuation rush. Plan ahead! Tune into one of the following radio stations to get the latest updates:
- WNHW FM (92.5)
- WOBR FM (95.3)
- WKJX FM (96.7)
- WVOD (99.1)
- WERX (102.5)
- WCXL FM (104.1)
- WRSR FM (105.7)
- WGAI AM (56)
- WOBR AM (1530)
- or NOAA Weather radio: 162.550
If you need to evacuate, make sure to take this stuff with you:
- All Pets!
- Food and Water
- First Aid Kit
- Two-week supply of medicine
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Extra clothing
- Lightweight folding chairs or cots
- Personal items including books, toys and snacks
- Infant necessities
- Important papers (valid ID) and money
After the Hurricane has passed, make sure the area is safe before you return. Check with your local authorities to be certain. Having a Hurricane plan can save lives. It is especially important to have one when living in an area like the Outer Banks.
Labels: Hurricane season, Outer Banks
