Hurricane Dorian: Air Evacuation Under Way From Ocracoke Island

OCRACOKE ISLAND, NC — Hurricane Dorian's effects have dissipated on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, and rescues have begun after hundreds of residents found themselves trapped in their homes by several feet of storm surge Friday. In certain areas, the storm brought so much water that SUVs and fridges were seen afloat.

Officials from Hyde County said Friday afternoon that air units are coming to Ocracoke Island to evacuate people who stayed through the storm. Air units will take residents to Dare County where they'll be taken to the Washington County shelter, with food, medical supplies and power.

To be picked up, call 252-926-3715 so they can direct you to a pick up location. Officials said they will release times to go to the airport when that is set.

The Coast Guard is taking emergency responders to the island by helicopter and airlifting out the sick, the elderly or others in distress, Hyde County authorities told The Washington Post. Until they can be evacuated, Ocracoke Island residents are instructed to go to the highest point in their homes — which has residents perched in attics and on roofs — in the meantime.

Gov. Roy Cooper governor said at a press conference late Friday afternoon that so far there are no reports of serious injuries on the Outer Banks from the hurricane. “The hurricane has left behind destruction where storm surge inundated Ocracoke Island,” Cooper said, the Post reports. “Currently the island has no electricity and many homes and buildings are still underwater.”

The hurricane made landfall in North Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph and threatening to bring up to seven feet of water to the land, according to the National Weather Service. The maximum sustained winds have dropped slightly, but residents are still in danger.

One Facebook user, Jason Wells, said many people have severely damaged houses and have been forced into their attics. People are using boats get to safety. Dorian is cause to "the worst flooding I have ever witnessed by several feet," Wells said.

Another Facebook user, Harris Kelton Williams Jr., posted a video of his Suburban floating away, taken by the powerful waters. "I will admit I was a little scared when I saw my suburban float away," he posted.

High level photos of Ocracoke show heavy flooding all over the island.

Destructive winds ravaged Ocracoke. The National Weather Service shared the video below from Ocracoke, showing powerful winds pushing the water, further flooding the island.

Bookstore owner Leslie Lanier is tweeting from the scene. She sent a warning to Hatteras residents:

• Hurricane Dorian: NC Activates National Guard, SC Evacuations
• Hurricane Dorian Emerald Isle: Ring Camera Shows Tornado Strike
• Davidson Firefighters Deploy To Help In Hurricane Effort