Hurricane Dorian Makes Landfall as a Category 1 Hurricane

Nicole Madden, Greg Armbrecht, James Scott,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Dorian made landfall over Cape Hatteras at 8:35 a.m. as a category 1 hurricane. It had sustained winds of 90 mph with a minimum central pressure of 956 mb. Dorian will continue moving off the coast of North Carolina through the day on Friday and quickly northeast through the Atlantic towards Nova Scotia on Saturday. Rainfall totals of more than a foot were noted for several locations across the Carolina coast with the highest gust of 96 mph noted on Cedar Island, N.C.

Even as the center of Dorian moves off the coast of North Carolina, a few threats remain over the next few hours. Storm surge and very rough surf will be a challenge for the east coast, with surge up to 4′ possible. An additional 1-2″ of rain will be possible across the NC/VA east coast. Strong winds will persist through the day for the coast with gusts up to 90 mph possible.

A hurricane watch is in place for Nova Scotia as hurricane force winds will be possible late Saturday as Dorian approaches the coast of Canada.

 

On Thursday, Governor Roy Cooper warned North Carolina residents to “get to safety and stay there” as Hurricane Dorian moves up the coast. The Governor’s Office released the following tips and information to help prepare for the potential impacts of this powerful storm:

  • Storm surge of up to several feet on the coast could be life threatening, with the worst impacts expected at high tide.
  • Already, more than 6,500 North Carolinians are without power. Additional power outages and communications outages are expected.
  • More than 50 emergency shelters opened to accommodate evacuees. A large state shelter is open in Durham. More than 1,000 people are residing in the shelters Thursday morning.
  • At least 40 counties have declared states of emergency, and five have instituted curfews for tonight. More than 45 school districts closed today and five are on early release.

NC 2-1-1 is available to help residents find food, housing, disaster services and health care. The referral hotline is free, confidential and multilingual operators are ready to assist. Help is also available by texting NCDorian to 898211 to talk via text with a 2-1-1 operator.

As Hurricane Dorian moves up the coast, here are some important safety tips:

  • Never drive roads covered by water. It only takes a few inches of water to wash away a car. If you come across a road covered in water, turn around immediately.
  • Stay indoors. Stay away from windows. Close storm shutters.
  • Stay in a secure space, like a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level of your home.
  • Stay alert. Use a radio or another device for warnings about wind, tornadoes, rising water or orders to turn off gas, water, and power.
  • Never use a generator indoors. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up quickly.