We Were Lucky
All of Hatteras Island got warnings early in this most recent storm as Hurricane Florence was predicted to storm the Outer Banks as a Category 4 hurricane. Staff members spent that time to prepare their homes and the museum as best they could. Thanks to all of the dedicated work of all those involved in the remodel from the 2016 Hurricane Matthew, they were able to secure and relocate many priceless items to safe areas within the museum.
Thankfully, the storm decided to take a major turn towards the south and, aside from the dunes being washed into the roadways at several locations, Hatteras Island was spared. We did not have to endure any sound side storm surge and wind damage was blissfully minimal.
The museum will be open regular hours starting tomorrow, 18 September. There is still some debris from tree limbs on the trial and it will not be open.
We would like to take this time to thank the Cherokee Nation for sending a team of special operations water rescue to all of those that have remained in mainland North Carolina. We ask you all to please keep that area in your hearts, as they are looking at some rough times ahead. Several dams burst and Florence created a storm surge unlike any other. There are a few local groups, affectionately called the Tusky Navy and the Cajun Navy, that are comprised of volunteers performing search and rescue. Even our own Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative has sent linemen over to offer assistance as well as other teams from Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills.