Tourists told to evacuate Outer Banks island ahead of storm

Key Points:

• Dare County officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for nonresidents of Hatteras Island, North Carolina, due to an approaching nor’easter expected to cause prolonged flooding and hazardous conditions.
• The evacuation, effective from 8 p.m. Friday, affects Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village, with visitors urged to leave immediately to avoid being stranded amid life-threatening conditions.
• The storm is forecasted to bring large waves up to 14 feet, 2 to 4 feet of coastal flooding, and winds gusting 45 to 55 mph, potentially causing road closures, power outages, and extended flooding lasting into next week.
• Ferry services to and from Ocracoke Island are being canceled or suspended, and wind advisories are in effect across Carteret, Dare, and Hyde counties starting Saturday afternoon.
• Meteorologists warn the nor’easter will be persistent, causing multiple high tide flooding and beach erosion cycles, exacerbating damage in areas already affected by a similar storm in late September.