Governor Roy Cooper has signed a State of Emergency declaration and waived weight and hours of service restrictions due to a major power outage on Hatteras Island in Dare County and Ocracoke Island in Hyde County. The power outage was caused when a transmission line was cut while construction work was being carried out on the Bonner Bridge.
“This declaration will allow us to move much needed resources through the state as quickly as possible to help restore the power to Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands,” Governor Cooper said.
Earlier today, Governor Cooper received the news that Hyde County had ordered a mandatory evacuation order for visitors on Ocracoke Island effective 5 p.m.
Executed under the Emergency Management Act, the State of Emergency declaration enables the governor to mobilize the necessary resources to respond to this severe power outage.
The executive order waives restrictions on weight and the hours of service for fuel, utility and other truck drivers that may be working to deliver supplies and other resources needed to restore power in the affected areas. The waiver is in effect until rescinded.