Emergency Weather Information for the Outer Banks

Tropical Storm warnings and watches compared to Hurricane watches and warnings can be confusing. When a State of Emergency is called think of it as local authorities calling for preparedness. This allows them to make quicker decisions about how to place and direct police, fire, and EMS, call for evacuations if needed, and ask for assistance from other entities in the state. We will try to help explain the differences.

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Hurricane Watch A hurricane watch means there is a potential for severe conditions where sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.

Hurricane Warning An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Mandatory Evacuation If officials have called for a mandatory evacuation, all visitors must evacuate. It is not safe for visitors to stay on the Outer Banks during a mandatory evacuation. The bridges will close and the possibility of danger may increase to life threatening conditions. There are only two Dare County Evacuation Routes and no shelters on the island.