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Evacuation order issued for Hatteras and Ocracoke Island visitors

Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina has been issued a mandatory evacuation order.

OCRACOKE, NC (WVEC) -- Dare County officials are issuing a mandatory evacuation for all Hatteras Island visitors starting at noon Monday, ahead of Hurricane Maria.

This comes after Hyde County issued a mandatory evacuation order for visitors of Ocracoke Island, which began at 5 a.m. Monday.

Officials are advising visitors to pack all of their belongings and leave as soon as possible to avoid getting caught in the storm.

Hyde County tweeted Sunday evening that the order will go into effect 5 a.m. Monday in advance of Hurricane Maria.

FULL FORECAST: Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria is expected to pass about 150 miles southeast of Dare County, with high winds and many other storm-related effects.

To make sure you are prepared for the storm, visit www.readync.org for tips and information on how you can get ready.

As of Monday morning, Hyde County emergency services director Jason Gibbs said that 225 people had evacuated Ocracoke Island since the 5 a.m. order went into effect. Gibbs said officials think there are about 700 visitors on the island, which has a year-round population of about 1,000 residents.

Gibbs said the county is relying on those who rent homes on the island and the hotels to get word to visitors they need to leave.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

  • Cape Lookout to Duck
  • Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

  • North of Duck to the North Carolina/Virginia border
  • North of Surf City to south of Cape Lookout

Additionally, a Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Cape Lookout to Duck.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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