Visitors Ordered To Evacuate Parts Of The Outer Banks As Maria Approaches

OCRACOKE, N.C. (AP) – Authorities have ordered hundreds of visitors to leave parts of North Carolina’s Outer Banks as Hurricane Maria approaches the barrier islands.

Evacuations began Monday for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. Officials warned Monday that high winds and flooding are likely as Maria passes well offshore.

As tourists packed up and drove off, business owners say they will take another financial hit this year.