Outer Banks Times

Tropical Storm Ophelia has made its presence known on the North Carolina coast, putting residents in danger with its strong winds of up to 40 mph. The US Coast Guard has already conducted several rescues, including three children and two others. The storm made landfall on Emerald Island early this morning, prompting state officials to initiate evacuation efforts. However, even before it hit land, Ophelia proved to be a threat as five people had to be rescued from a boat near the coastline on Friday night.

The impact of the storm has been felt throughout the area, with many cars and drivers caught in the gushing waters on the roads and in need of rescue. Additionally, the powerful waves caused damage to the Outer Banks and broke through dunes, necessitating road repairs. Despite the dangerous conditions, there have been acts of bravery amidst the chaos. One such act involved a police chief who risked his life to save a dog. As the storm unleashed heavy rain and flooding, Police Chief Christopher Kelly waded through battling waters to rescue a dog that was tied up and struggling to reach higher ground.

The Coast Guard rescued five individuals from a 38-foot catamaran that was anchored near the North Carolina coastline. The boat owner had called Coast Guard Sector North Carolina for assistance. The conditions at the time of the rescue were described by the Coast Guard as having 6 to 8-foot seas, occasional 10-foot swells, and winds ranging from 35 to 40 mph. These dangerous conditions highlight the importance of taking precautionary measures and heeding evacuation warnings during severe weather events like Tropical Storm Ophelia.