Mandatory evacuation issued for Outer Banks island as Maria nears coast

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the entire Outer Banks

OCRACOKE, N.C. (WWBT) – Hurricane Maria, now a Category 1 storm, will make a close call with the East Coast this week as it moves north. 

A mandatory evacuation was issued for Ocracoke Island late Sunday and a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the entire Outer Banks. 

"Direct impacts from the storm include tropical storm force winds and storm surge of 2-4 feet along the Outer Banks," Hyde County officials said in a press release. 

Coastal areas of the state could see wind gusts of 30-35 mph with dangerous rip currents, beach erosion and the potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding.

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