SEVERE WEATHER
TRAVEL UPDATES
Tropical Storm Isaias
We are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Isaias and will provide official town updates on this page as soon as they are available. Additional resources can be found below.
Reservation Questions? Call (866) 586-6980
Severe Weather Travel Updates
We woke up to a beautiful morning on the island, light breeze, low humidity, blue skies and sunshine. The excellent news is that we have experienced only very minor damage at only a few of our rental properties. We also have isolated incidents of some power and cable outages but not widespread as with previous stronger storms. Those should be repaired quickly. We hope each of you fared well in your vacation rental home during the night, especially those windy, noisy, gusty hours early this morning!
Thank you to each of you for being terrific, patient and very understanding while sheltering in place through Isaias. You will certainly have a great storm story to tell your friends and family about your beach vacation during the summer of Covid! Thanks also to all who helped with porch furniture, both yesterday and this morning.
As predicted, the wind speeds remained relatively low throughout the night; steady winds at 25-30 mph with only a few higher gusts between 3:00-5:00 am as reported by Weather.gov.
Dangerous rip currents are still occurring on the island and Red Flag conditions remain. Today is still not safe for ocean swims and water sports.
Our maintenance staff are doing a slow, drive-by, windshield assessment this morning. Please email us with any storm related questions and concerns. Please be sure to let us know the address of the rental property, the name of your vacation rental, your name and a telephone number where we may reach you.
Reservation questions: getaways@EIRealty.com
Maintenance questions and to report storm damage: maintenance@EIRealty.com
Housekeeping concerns: housekeeping@EIRealty.com
For our homes with swimming pools, our pool crews are going to be diligently servicing all pools today and tomorrow. If you are able bodied and willing to skim leaves and debris out of the pool, thank you!
If your vacation rental home is located on the soundside (the north side of Emerald Drive on Emerald Isle) there will be no garbage collection today. Your garbage collection day will be on Thursday and we apologize for the inconvenience. Recycling pickup is tomorrow for all areas of Emerald Isle.
We are all feeling very relieved and very blessed this morning. Thanks so much for your encouraging messages to our EIR staff both yesterday and this morning.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you during your vacation on the island!
10:00 AM
Final Update
The post-storm assessment is underway in Emerald Isle. We are blessed and thankful that the storm did not bring widespread damage to the area. Following is the final update related to this storm event.
RAINFALL: 1.28” of rain was recorded overnight at the Emerald Isle Public Works facility.
Following is a brief assessment of public infrastructure damage:
- Street sign down- Emerald Drive and Coast Guard Rd
- Street sign down – Channel and Terrell Howell Way (near the US Coast Guard station)
- A downed tree on the bike path near Sea Dunes
- A downed tree on the bike path near Land’s End
- A downed tree in the roadway near Reed/Janell
- A downed tree in the roadway near Reed/Mangrove
Town staff members are on scene and actively working to clean up the areas identified.
RED FLAGS: Reminder, ocean conditions are dangerous and Emerald Isle remains under RED FLAGS. Flag poles have been damaged and lifeguards are working to reinstall flags. The public is asked to stay out of the water and respect the ocean conditions.
Thank you all for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Emerald Isle at 252-354-3424.
Remain well!
Trash Service Adjustment
1:30 PM
Due to extremely heavy winds expected overnight, Trash collection is CANCELED for Tuesday August 4, 2020.
- Wednesday- Recycling collection is expected town wide
- Thursday- Regular sound side trash service is expected
- Friday- Regular ocean side trash service is expected
Do your part & Help move your cart!
- Please secure all trash and recycling cans at/near your home ASAP
- Please DO NOT place any cans (trash or recycling) at the curb today
- Wait until the storm system and heavy winds move out of the area, before putting carts at the street.
Thank you all for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Emerald Isle at 252-354-3424.
11:00 AM
Tropical Storm Isaias continues to track northward and is expected to arrive/impact North Carolina late Monday night and into the early hours of Tuesday.
High winds, heavy rainfall, and potential tornados could impact our coastal region.
Dangerous ocean conditions exist NOW and will continue to bring HIGH RISK for RIP currents. Emerald Isle is under RED FLAG conditions and the public is asked to stay out of the water.
For the latest video update from the National Weather Service, follow this link:
Monday Morning Video Update (Short)
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Public messaging is expected to continue throughout the duration of the event. For the most up-to-date information, please monitor www.emeraldisle-nc.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and download the Emerald Isle app.
YARD DEBRIS COLLECTION SUSPENDED
Until further notice, yard debris collection is suspended. Residents are asked to STOP placing loose material at the roadway. Following the storm, collection services will resume.
TRASH COLLECTION
Regular ocean side trash service will be provided today, Monday August 3, 2020.
Staff is monitoring the weather and will make adjustments to the trash/recycling collections (as needed) for Tuesday and Wednesday. Any changes to service will be announced ASAP.
OCEAN CONDITIONS/ RIP CURRENTS
Dangerous ocean conditions exist NOW and will continue to bring HIGH RISK for RIP currents. Emerald Isle is under RED FLAG conditions and the public is asked to stay out of the water. The threat for stronger and more frequent rip currents will continue for area beaches through the middle of the next week, leading to extremely dangerous conditions for swimming.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Effective at 3:00 PM on Saturday August 1, 2020, the Town of Emerald Isle issued a State of Emergency declaration. The approaching storm is anticipated to impact our local area. Residents, guests, and businesses should begin preparations now.
EVACUATION ORDERS
As of 11:00 AM on Monday, current predictions have NOT triggered an evacuation order.
GENERAL PREPAREDNESS
Residents and guests should anticipate high winds, heavy rains, and the potential loss of power due to the storm. Residents and guests should be prepared to shelter in place with sufficient food, water and medical supplies.
STORMWATER PREPARATION
The Town of Emerald Isle’s stormwater system is operational and clear of debris. Staff has inspected all storm drain inlets, pumps, ditches, and associated infrastructure. In advance of the storm, emergency fuel, generators, and mobile pumps are staged on the island. These items will be utilized (as needed) in flood prone areas.
3:00 PM
Tropical Storm Isaias is tracking northward and is expected to arrive/impact North Carolina on Monday August 3 and Tuesday August 4, 2020.
High winds, heavy rainfall, and potential tornados could impact our coastal region.
The Town of Emerald Isle is preparing now. All town staff and first responders are on storm ready alert.
Dangerous ocean conditions exist NOW and will continue to bring HIGH RISK for RIP currents. Emerald Isle is under RED FLAG conditions and the public is asked to stay out of the water.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms are very unpredictable. Carteret County Emergency Services and the Town of Emerald Isle are actively monitoring the storm. If conditions worsen, the Town of Emerald Isle will take swift action and communicate with the public.
For the latest video update from the National Weather Service, follow this link:
Sunday Morning Video Update (Short)
YARD DEBRIS COLLECTION SUSPENDED
Until further notice, yard debris collection is suspended. Residents are asked to STOP placing loose material at the roadway. Following the storm, collection services will resume.
TRASH COLLECTION
Regular ocean side trash service will be provided on Monday August 3, 2020.
Staff is monitoring the weather and will make adjustments to the trash/recycling collections (as needed) for Tuesday and Wednesday. Any changes to service will be announced ASAP.
OCEAN CONDITIONS/ RIP CURRENTS
Dangerous ocean conditions exist NOW and will continue to bring HIGH RISK for RIP currents. Emerald Isle is under RED FLAG conditions and the public is asked to stay out of the water. The threat for stronger and more frequent rip currents will continue for area beaches through the middle of the next week, leading to extremely dangerous conditions for swimming.
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Public messaging is expected to continue throughout the duration of the event. For the most up-to-date information, please monitor www.emeraldisle-nc.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and download the Emerald Isle app.
SITUATIONAL UPDATE
Tropical Storm Isaias, currently located within 50 miles of the east coast of Florida, is forecast to maintain its intensity and lift northeastward toward the Carolina coast Monday night and Tuesday, passing through the Coastal Plain of Eastern North Carolina.
Tropical storm force winds are possible across the area. This could lead to some downed trees and widely scattered power outages. A few tornadoes are possible Monday night and Tuesday, which could lead to locally enhanced damage.
Minor to locally moderate inundation from storm surge is possible for low lying area adjacent to the ocean, sounds and rivers, with overwash of dunes and flooding of properties and roadways possible for locations where dune structures are weak. Impacts at specific locations will be highly track dependent.
Dangerous marine conditions are also expected, with seas building to 8 to 16 feet creating treacherous conditions for mariners.
Periods of locally heavy rain are likely especially along and west of Highway 17, with the potential for localized minor flooding of low lying areas. River levels could reach and exceed flood stage a couple days after Isaias exits the Carolinas. Widespread flooding is not expected.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Effective at 3:00 PM on Saturday August 1, 2020, the Town of Emerald Isle issued a State of Emergency declaration. The approaching storm is anticipated to impact our local area. Residents, guests, and businesses should begin preparations now.
EVACATION ORDERS
As of 3:00 PM on Saturday August 1, 2020, current predictions have NOT triggered an evacuation order.
GENERAL PREPAREDNESS
Residents and guests should anticipate high winds, heavy rains, and the potential loss of power due to the storm. Residents and guests should be prepared to shelter in place with sufficient food, water and medical supplies.
STORMWATER PREPARATION
The Town of Emerald Isle’s stormwater system is operational and clear of debris. Staff has inspected all storm drain inlets, pumps, ditches, and associated infrastructure. In advance of the storm, emergency fuel, generators, and mobile pumps are staged on the island. These items will be utilized (as needed) in flood prone areas.
ACTION STEPS
We encourage you to stay off the roads during heavy rains. If you intend to leave island, do not wait until the storm arrives. Plan ahead and leave early.
Additionally, follow these tips to reduce property damage and stay safe:
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, bikes, toys, hanging plants and lawn decorations. If possible, remove the swings on your child’s swing set to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Move furnishings and valuables to the highest point in your house.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy in case of loss of power. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances to avoid a power surge when the power is turned back on.
• Do not drive or walk through standing water. Water can be deeper than it appears, and two feet of water can sweep away most cars and six inches of moving water can sweep you away when walking.
FOR RENTAL GUESTS arrivals July 31 –August 3 and
RENTAL GUESTS departing after August 3, 2020
Continue to monitor Isaias closely over the next few days.
Currently, Carteret County is under a Tropical Storm Watch for Isaias.
There is no order to evacuate Bogue Banks.
Based on the latest forecasts, the very good news so far today is that Isaias is weakening, becoming less organized and has been downgraded to a tropical storm and is projected to remain so by the time this system approaches North Carolina. We also are appreciative that the prediction is for Isaias to take a more westerly track up through the central part of our state after making landfall perhaps in Georgia. Current forecast is for sustained winds of 41 MPH but more likely 25-35 MPH. Rainfall predictions are low for our area, ½- 1 inch total. The storm is expected to arrive late Monday night into early Tuesday morning.
Shelter in Place at your vacation rental home or condo beginning late Monday afternoon and have your storm preparation for your family complete. Travel after tropical force winds begin is not recommended.
- Be sure all doors and windows are closed and securely locked
- Please turn porch furniture upside down on deck if you are physically able
- We recommend you have a two day supply of food and water on hand
- Have a full tank of gas in your car
- Make sure your cell phones and lap tops remain fully charged in case of power outages
- We may experience power outage and loss of cable and internet service
- Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy in case of loss of power. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light
- Tornadoes are always a possibility during tropical weather and a weather app with an audible warning is highly recommended.
- Storm surge is also possible with a very high tide likely. However, we believe there will be minimal risk of breaching the dune and ocean over wash because of recent beach nourishment projects.
- Only you can make the best decision about the safety and welfare of your family. If concerned, you may wish to relocate to an inland hotel for the night of the storm.
Once the Storm has Passed Safely by…
- If you have a maintenance repair issue that is storm related, please email: maintenance@EIRealty.com or call (252) 354-2690. Be sure to give the address and property name where you are staying, a phone number where we can reach you and state the issue.
- Be mindful that there may be debris on the beach or in the ocean and sound
- After a storm is a great time to look for sea shells.
- We hope you will enjoy a wonderful rest of the week of your vacation with us!
Beach Safety—High Risk of Rip Currents
- Dangerous ocean conditions are currently happening and will bring HIGH RISK for RIP currents especially around the time of low tide.
- Red Flags are flying along the Bogue Banks.
- The public is asked to avoid the water for your own safety during Red Flag times.
Please monitor these sites for updated Weather and Travel Information:
https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/hurricane-alert-information
3:00 PM
Hurricane Isaias is expected to travel northward, impacting North Carolina early next week. The current predictions indicate the most probable time of arrival/impact is Monday August 3 and Tuesday August 4, 2020.
Regardless of the storm’s direct path, it is likely to cause high winds and heavy rain along the coast. The Town of Emerald Isle is preparing now. All town staff and first responders are on storm ready alert.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms are very unpredictable. Carteret County Emergency Services and the Town of Emerald Isle are actively monitoring the storm. If conditions worsen, the Town of Emerald Isle will take swift action and communicate with the public.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Effective at 3:00 PM on Saturday August 1, 2020, the Town of Emerald Isle has issued a State of Emergency declaration. The approaching storm is anticipated to impact our local area. Residents, guests, and businesses should begin preparations now.
EVACATION ORDERS
As of 3:00 PM on Saturday August 1, 2020, current predictions have NOT triggered an evacuation order.
YARD DEBRIS COLLECTION SUSPENDED
Until further notice, yard debris collection is suspended. Residents are asked to STOP placing loose material at the roadway. Following the storm, collection services will resume.
OCEAN CONDITIONS/ RIP CURRENTS
Dangerous ocean conditions are expected and will bring HIGH RISK for RIP currents.
- Red Flags are flying along the Bogue Banks
- The public is asked to avoid the water
GENERAL PREPAREDNESS
Residents and guests should anticipate high winds, heavy rains, and the potential loss of power due to the storm. Residents and guests should be prepared to shelter in place with sufficient food, water and medical supplies.
STORMWATER PREPARATION
The Town of Emerald Isle’s stormwater system is operational and clear of debris. Staff has inspected all storm drain inlets, pumps, ditches, and associated infrastructure. In advance of the storm, emergency fuel, generators, and mobile pumps are staged on the island. These items will be utilized (as needed) in flood prone areas.
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Public messaging is expected to continue throughout the duration of the event. For the most up-to-date information, please monitor www.emeraldisle-nc.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and download the Emerald Isle app.
ACTION STEPS
We encourage you to stay off the roads during heavy rains. If you intend to leave island, do not wait until the storm arrives. Plan ahead and leave early.
Additionally, follow these tips to reduce property damage and stay safe:
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, bikes, toys, hanging plants and lawn decorations. If possible, remove the swings on your child’s swing set to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Move furnishings and valuables to the highest point in your house.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy in case of loss of power. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances to avoid a power surge when the power is turned back on.
• Do not drive or walk through standing water. Water can be deeper than it appears, and two feet of water can sweep away most cars and six inches of moving water can sweep you away when walking.
5:45 PM
Hurricane Isaias is expected to travel northward, impacting North Carolina early next week. Regardless of the storm’s direct path, it is likely to cause high winds and heavy rain along the coast. The Town of Emerald Isle is preparing now. All town staff and first responders are on storm ready alert.
Residents, guests, and businesses are encouraged to begin preparations as well.
GENERAL PREPAREDNESS
Residents and guests should anticipate high winds, heavy rains, and the potential loss of power due to the storm. Residents and guests should be prepared to shelter in place with sufficient food, water, and medical supplies.
OCEAN CONDITIONS/ RIP CURRENTS
Dangerous ocean conditions are expected and will bring HIGH RISK for RIP currents.
- Red Flags are flying along the Bogue Banks
- The public is asked to avoid the water
STORMWATER PREPARATION
The Town of Emerald Isle’s stormwater system is operational and clear of debris. Public Works has inspected all storm drain inlets, pumps, ditches, and associated infrastructure. In advance of the storm, emergency fuel, generators, and mobile pumps are staged on the island. These items will be utilized (as needed) in flood prone areas.
S.O.E. / EVACATION ORDERS
As of 5:45 PM on Friday July 31, 2020, the Town has not issued a State of Emergency for Emerald Isle. Furthermore, current predictions have not triggered an evacuation order.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms are very unpredictable. Carteret County Emergency Services and the Town of Emerald Isle are actively monitoring the storm. If conditions worsen, the Town of Emerald Isle will take swift action and communicate with the public.
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Public messaging begins this evening, with Hurricane Isaias Update #1, and will continue throughout the duration of the event. To sign up for email and/or text alerts, click here: https://www.emeraldisle-nc.org/email-text-notifications
For the most up-to-date information, please monitor www.emeraldisle-nc.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and download the Emerald Isle app.
ACTION STEPS
If you intend to leave the island, do not wait until the storm arrives. Plan ahead and leave early.
We encourage you to stay off the roads during heavy rains. Do not drive into flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.
STORM READY TIPS
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, bikes, toys, hanging plants and lawn decorations. If possible, remove the swings on your child’s swing set to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Move furnishings and valuables to the highest point in your house.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy in case of loss of power. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances to avoid a power surge when the power is turned back on.
• Do not drive or walk through standing water. Water can be deeper than it appears, and two feet of water can sweep away most cars and six inches of moving water can sweep you away when walking.
FOR RENTAL GUESTS arriving July 31 –August 3 and RENTAL GUESTS departing after August 3, 2020
Hurricane Isaias is a storm we are encouraging you to monitor closely over the next three days.
Currently, North Carolina is not under Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning for this storm and there is no order at this time to evacuate Bogue Banks.
What we appreciate about hurricane tracking is we usually have five days warning. What is difficult to project just yet is the wind strength, intensity and projected landfall. Much more will be known as we get another 24 hours closer to Isaias’s path near the Carolinas.
With Isaias projected to track up the eastern seaboard, and be off the Carolina coast by Monday, we anticipate very heavy rains and tropical storm force winds in the 35-45 mph range with gusts possibly higher, 50-55mph. Travel will be dangerous in eastern NC on Monday if Isaias’s path continues to pass near our coast or comes ashore in North Carolina. Flooding on Ocean Drive in some areas is likely as well as potential flooding in some of the neighborhoods off Coast Guard Road. Ocean front locations can still experience high surf and breaking waves resulting in minor erosion and isolated ocean over-wash. We will advise you of any office hour changes and update you with evacuation information as we receive notification. Please check our website for updates and we will send email alerts as possible.
A small craft advisory may be in effect for Bogue Banks, and the threat of rip currents will be high over the next few days as Isaias makes its way past our coast.
During the storm, our island could experience temporary power outages so you may want to bring flashlights and a battery operated radio. Our current expectation is Carteret County and the beach towns may recommend “shelter in place” for residents and non-resident rental guests.
If projected wind conditions and storm intensity warrant, Emerald Isle Realty will begin tying down porch furniture on Sunday and continue on Monday. For homes and condos with storm shutters we will follow a similar timeline.
If you have chosen the Red Sky Travel Insurance, you will be reimbursed ONLY if our local government calls for a mandatory evacuation. You will receive prorated refunds for the night of the evacuation only. If you have specific questions about your particular situation you may contact Red Sky at 1-866-889-7409.
Please monitor these sites for updated Weather and Travel Information:
www.nhc.noaa.gov
www.Weather.com
www.EmeraldIsleRealty.com
We are so sorry that even the threat of this storm has given you this difficult decision about arriving for your vacation. Only you can make the best decision for your family.
Have a safe journey,
Your Friends at Emerald Isle Realty
Additional Resources
RIP CURRENT SAFETY
Rip currents are very powerful channels of water that move at very fast speeds away from the shore and can quickly pull even a strong swimmer out to sea. It is important for all swimmers to know the signs of a rip current and avoid those areas. A few indicators provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) include:
- A channel of churning, choppy water
- Notable differences in water color
- Lines of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward
- A break in the incoming wave pattern
If caught in an ocean rip current:
- Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Never fight against the current.
- Think of the rip current like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, but that you can step to the side of.
- Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle, away from the current, towards shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and yelling for help.
