OUTER BANKS, NC — One week after a construction accident caused a massive blackout, officials say power has been restored to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.
The Governor’s Office sent out a release Thursday evening saying power had been restored thanks to the construction of a new overhead transmission line that brings in electricity from the mainland. Officials had also considered splicing the severed lines but decided against it.
Governor Cooper says evacuation orders for the two islands will be lifted at noon Friday, and visitors are encouraged to return once that happens.
βResidents and businesses on Hatteras and Ocracoke are ready to welcome visitors back to share their beautiful beaches and unique history and culture,β Gov. Cooper said. βThanks to everyone involved including local and state officials for their tireless work to get power restored quickly and safely.β
The islands lost power last week after a crew working on the Bonner Bridge cut two of the transmission lines bringing power from the mainland. Businesses where hit hard when the blackout forced a mandatory evacuation of the area for tourists.
βGetting power back sooner than expected means visitors can return and local businesses can get back to work during peak summer travel season,β Gov. Cooper said.
The NCDOT says ferries will return to their normal operation schedule at 5am Friday, and visitors will be allowed to board once the evacuation order is lifted at noon.
