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Officials urge visitors to leave Dare County

Posted at 3:55 PM, Oct 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-09 14:41:07-04

DARE COUNTY, N.C. – Dare County Emergency Management officials say they are now under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Officials say because of high coastal water levels, storm surge, and extremely heavy rainfall there is potential for dangerous and life threatening flooding in the Outer Banks.

There is also a chance for sound-side flooding of up to four feet in areas prone to flooding, mainly Hatteras Island.

The National Weather Service has indicated that they should expect ocean over-wash in vulnerable areas.

Official say as conditions deteriorate, road closures and travel restrictions are anticipated in Dare County, particularly for portions of Highway 12 on Hatteras Island.

Because of the dangerous conditions, they are advising visitors throughout the county depart today and postpone travel to the area until conditions improve.

Overnight Saturday, there was major flooding, downed power lines, and power outages.

Officials are advising people stay in doors until those conditions improve.

They've also restricted assess to the county to permanent residents and essential personnel.