Carteret County residents are preparing for Hurricane Earl to graze the Carolina coast. He is already producing large, pounding surf along the Crystal Coast beaches. The exact track remains a mystery, but local officials in Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, and Atlantic Beach are taking no chances.
Max winds in the Carteret County/Crystal Coast area are anticipated to reach near 50mph. The town of Emerald Isle has issued an evacuation order and will be closing the bridge at 5pm.
Current models predict the storm will proceed in a northerly direction narrowly missing the Crystal Coast. Either way many area residents are taking precautions to protect their property.
Many windows are boarded up and I’ve seen a few places bring out the storm shudders. I can already see and hear that the wind has picked up to a steady 30mph or so sustained wind along with higher gusts.
More details will be forthcoming as the storm approaches.