Outer Banks, NC Hurricane Information

What Every Visitor Needs To Know Before The Storm

The following information is also available in a PDF format brochure, which you can print and take with you to Currituck.

It used to be one couldn't tell when a hurricane was expected to hit the Outer Banks. These days, as meteorology studies and weather tracking become more sophisticated, we are often warned in advance of a bad storm. However, there is the chance you could get caught in a hurricane, so if you are visiting Currituck County during the season be sure you know what to do and where to go to stay safe.

*Visitors are encouraged to closely monitor weather conditions and contact their accommodation provider before leaving home to travel to the Currituck Outer Banks.

Numbers to Know

Keep these phone numbers handy to call in the event of a coming tropical storm or hurricane.

• Currituck Emergency Management - 252.232.2115

• Emergency Management Hotline - 252.232.6010

• Currituck County Public Information - 252.232.0719

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane or tropical storm WATCH indicates that storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Gather information ahead of time: Check weather predictions for the Currituck Outer Banks. If a storm WATCH is issued before leaving your home, contact your vacation rental company to receive weather information and instructions.

During your vacation: If a storm WATCH is issued while you’re on vacation, monitor weather information for storm developments. Secure outside items at your rental home and prepare to evacuate. Fuel vehicles and have belongings packed and ready to go.

Protect your vacation investment: Contact your rental company for information on travel insurance.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane or tropical storm WARNING indicates that storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

Monitor the situation: Closely monitor the storm’s progress on local radio and television stations, and log on to CurrituckGovernment.com for public advisories.

What to do: Listen and watch for evacuation notices. Beware of flooding. It only takes one foot of water to sweep away a car. Vacationers in the four-wheel-drive areas north of Corolla should pay attention to tide warnings and storm surge. Rising waters may make the beach impassable, so be prepared to leave ahead of time.

Evacuation In North Carolina, local counties have the authority to determine when an evacuation is necessary. If an evacuation is ordered, ALL vacationers must leave the Currituck Outer Banks.

The only route off the northern beaches is South NC 12. During peak tourist season, more than 100,000 people may be evacuating on this two-lane road. Follow orderly traffic procedures and heed any directions from emergency officials.

During an evacuation: Be prepared to drive a considerable distance away from the storm area. There are no storm shelters on the Currituck Outer Banks.

Visitors should take all belongings and pets with them when evacuating. You will not be guaranteed re-entry into the Currituck Outer Banks following the storm.

Re-Entry

Re-entry into the Currituck Outer Banks is granted by Emergency Management officials, who decide when the area is safe. Visitors wishing to return to their rental homes must provide a rental agreement or other relevant documentation at the time of re-entry.

1. Priority One – Essential EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Utilities, Damage Assessment teams and essential hotel employees needed to provide housing for recovery personnel.

2. Priority Two – Residents and critical businesses: banks, building supply, drug stores, food service, gas stations, insurance, property management, local contractors and tree removal.

3. Priority Three – Non-resident employees of noncritical businesses; non-resident property owners.

4. Priority Four – Visitors and the general public.

For details, call Currituck County Emergency Management’s hotline at 252-232-6010.