More Evacuations Issued on Outer Banks
Dare County, NC has issued a mandatory evacuation for all visitors throughout the entire county. Local officials made this declaration at 6 AM this morning as Hurricane Earl showed some signs of strengthening out in the Atlantic.
Although the eye is still expected to remain out at sea as the storm passes the Outer Banks, these small barrier island communities are expected to experience hurricane force winds early Friday morning.
While most residents and business owners held off on boarding up windows, Chris Lilliston wasn’t taking any chances.
“I think we’re just gonna get some high winds and some rain,” Lilliston said, as he helped board up windows on a friend’s house. “But we’re just trying to be safe. Now’s the time to do it instead of when it starts getting nasty.”
Red Cross officials are urging people to heed all evacuation notices without delay. The organization is preparing to open shelters as needed.
“We’ve got 82 shelters on standby,” said Red Cross volunteer Jim Guidone. “Fifteen of those are on immediate standby, which means we can open them up in less than two hours and begin taking guests. So, we’re getting well prepared for whatever Earl wants to toss our way.”
Guidone also urged evacuees to inform loved ones about their plans, and where they intend to be during and after the storm.
The Red Cross is running its “Safe and Well” program to help families check on loved ones during and after the storm. People can list themselves as “safe and well” or search registrants on the organization’s website, redcross.org.
