Hurricane Sandy Update: I | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    The good news is that Hurricane Sandy is not forecast to come ashore in North Carolina. The bad news is that as a result of the large error in intensity and track the National Hurricane Center is currently experiencing with Sandy we should consider the possibility of some impact from the storms passing just off the North Carolina coast.

    When factoring in the published errors listed above the storm center could pass as close as 75 miles off the coast. This is a large storm and therefore we could see a sustained 45 mph winds and anywhere from 2-4 inches of rainfall. If the storm continues at the current forward velocity we could expect the above weather to move in 12:01am Sunday morning and leave Monday morning around 1:00am.

    If the Hurricane Center has the forecast track correct this time then the local weather stations are predicting 20 mph wind gust and 1-2 inches of rain during the same period. I vote for the Hurricane Center getting the latest track absolutely correct.

    However, in this building we prepare for the worst and hope for the best. In that light I would ask that the following preparations be completed as a precautionary move to support any Evacuations that could occur on the Outer Banks or Hyde County.

    We could be requested to open Northside High School as a shelter in support of possible Hyde County evacuations. If this was to happen the earliest opening would be Saturday at 5:00 pm with possible closing of 10:00am Monday morning. Date and times are subject to change and I am just asking that we be prepared to open if officially requested. If you or your POC have not heard from Mr. woodruff or myself by 12:00pm (noon) Saturday then the shelter would not be opening. If the Hurricane continues to move to the East over the next 24 hours there would be no need to consider opening a shelter.

    We will keep you updated as the storm moves forward and as significant updates occur. All First Responder Organizations please be aware this storm will provide a higher level of impact in the Eastern part of the County.

    I have attached two documents from our HURREVAC software. The first is the current track of Sandy and the second track is created using the Standard Tracking error the Hurricane Center provided this morning. These attachments are for your information and please do not put the second attachment in general email circulation as it could easily be misinterpreted.

    As always Thank You for staying prepared.

    John Pack

      Coordinator
       Beaufort County Emergency Services