Hurricane Isaias passed over the North Carolina Coast Monday night into Tuesday morning. Local officials continue to assess conditions in the county and area municipalities. Impacts from Isaias include power and other utility outages in some parts of the state.

Brunswick County was ground zero as a reinvigorated Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the Cape Fear region late Monday night, slamming into Ocean Isle Beach at 11:10 p.m. as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and higher gusts.

Although the fast-moving storm moved quickly through the area, it left thousands without power, pushed ocean water completely over beach towns, and caused widespread damage, multiple structure fires, and reports of possible tornadoes.

The Town of Ocean Isle Beach’s curfew order remains in effect and the bridge to the island is closed to all traffic. The island is closed to visitors for the remainder of the week. The Town of Holden Beach is also closed to visitors until further notice. Island access is limited to valid Holden Beach 2020 Decals.

The pier at Ocean Isle Beach was also damaged in the hurricane. See Below.

Watch All Videos Reporting Ocean Isle Beach Damage

Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Sunset Beach are open to the public. Oak Island is experiencing utility outages in some parts of the island. Oak Island sustained some significant damage. Unnecessary travel on the island is discouraged at this time.

Drone Video of Oak Island from August 4th, 2020:

The small city at the mouth of the Cape Fear River was hit especially hard. The Waterfront area received extensive damage, and the Southport Marina is closed due to damage assessment. The City remains under a curfew until 7 .p.m.

Ferry service to Bald Head Island has resumed, and much of the Island was spared.

Further up the coast, the damage lessened but effects and power outages affected the area. A fire emerged at the Surf Condos in Surf City late Monday night into early Tuesday morning. About 30 people were displaced just before midnight and no injuries. The town is working to find shelter for these residents.

North Topsail Beach noted power outages are still a problem in some of its areas but that it generally fared better than many coastal communities.

The Outer Banks received some flooding and power outages however most beaches will reopen on either Tuesday, August 4th  for Hatteras Island, and Wednesday, August 5th, for Ocracoke. The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City forecast office reported peak wind gusts during the storm of 75 mph at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, 72 mph in Avon, and 68 mph in Manteo. Authorities reported flooding in Manteo, Colington, on Hatteras Island and in Kitty Hawk after high tide, but the flooding has since receded.

Initial damage assessments have been completed for Hatteras Island and with limited impacts from the storm, there will be unrestricted access for residents and visitors.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced on July 14th, 2020 that Phase 2 of re-opening will be extended for 3 additional weeks.

Phase 2 entails which businesses can be re-opened, prohibiting places such as gyms, bars, bowling alleys, and movie theaters, and more. The tentative date for re-opening these businesses is Aug. 7th, 2020.

In addition, face masks are required and must be worn when people are in public places as officials seek to stabilize concerning trends of increasing viral spread.

North Carolina has been in Phase 2 since May 22nd, 2020.

The Governor did state that he intends to re-open schools next month with additional guidelines for health and safety, and with smaller classroom sizes and incorporating remote learning into curriculums.

 

For more information and regulations visit NC.gov/covid-19