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
A mandatory visitor evacuation order for Ocracoke Island will go into effect at 5am tomorrow 9/25/17 in advance of hurricane Maria.
— County of Hyde, NC (@HydeNC) September 24, 2017
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.
To receive text alerts from Emergency Management - text "Join DareEmergencyAlerts" to 30890 #OBX #Hatteras
— Dare County EM (@DareCountyEM) September 25, 2017
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.
We're seeing a steady stream of cars/campers heading North from Hatteras. Visitor evac. remains in place. #13NewsNow #HurricaneMaria pic.twitter.com/yJKWHX36EM
— Steven Graves (@13StevenGraves) September 25, 2017
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.
#BREAKING First Ocracoke, now Hatteras. I'm headed to the area for coverage. #13NewsNow #HurricaneMaria https://t.co/Cq5YPlFSy9
— Steven Graves (@13StevenGraves) September 25, 2017
The Associated Press contributed to this report