Damage from Earl 'absolutely minimal'

Emerald Isle resident Chris Nakamura summed of the feelings of a lot of people shared as the area woke Friday morning to little or no damage from Hurricane Earl.

“It’s the best hurricane we’ve ever had,” laughed Nakamura, who was doing a little shopping with her daughter Claire at the Flip Flops gift shop on N.C. 58.

Hotels, restaurants and other businesses were back to normal operations Friday just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Along Bogue Banks that meant the quick return of residents and visitors from the beach towns stretching from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach who had evacuated Thursday as the hurricane approached the coast and strengthened at one point to a category 4.

But Hurricane Earl weakened and only brushed by the area. The center of the hurricane passed approximately 200 miles east of Emerald Isle at approximately 2 a.m. Friday, with the maximum recorded winds at the Emerald Isle fire station reaching 34 mph.

None of the towns on the island reported significant damage, with roads remaining clear, no reported power outages and tires washed onto the beach from an artificial reef quickly cleaned up. With little damage, the Thursday night curfew was quickly lifted and the bridges to Bogue Banks were open to traffic before 6 a.m. Friday.

“Atlantic Beach was extremely lucky and sustained virtually no damage as Hurricane Earl passed by us offshore,” Atlantic Beach Mayor Trace Cooper said.

There was a collective sigh of relief from coastal residents and officials in Onslow and Pender counties as they looked ahead to the holiday weekend.

“The damage is absolutely minimal,” said Alan Libby, Surf City’s tourism director.

Surf City Pier lost one brace but was open for business. There were no breaches and very little of the dune protection was compromised along Surf City beaches.

North Topsail Beach reported the same.

“There was no storm damage, minimal escarpment and no breaches along the beach — what little wind we had, the tides were with us,” said Steve Foster, the town manager.

Seaview Pier in North Topsail Beach remained open to visitors during the storm so those interested could watch the ocean, said Greg Ludlum, the owner.

Norman Bryson, the deputy director of Onslow County Emergency Services, said there had been no reports of any issues in Onslow County. He said winds and rains throughout Thursday evening and into the early hours Friday remained light for the most part.

The three emergency shelters in Onslow County closed at 6 a.m., and the shelters in Carteret County were closed by 7 a.m.

“I think the towns applied the appropriate amount of preparedness fitting the situation,” Foster said. “We’re grateful the storm steered clear, and we’re fortunate we got this out of the way for the holiday weekend.”

The Seahawk Motor Lodge is anticipating a strong weekend.

The weather forecast is perfect for the beach, and guests were already making a re-appearance Friday morning.

“We have several guests (from before the evacuation) coming back, and we’ve seen new reservations for the weekend as well. People are calling to see what it’s like after the storm,” Seahawk assistant manager Norma Jackson said.

James and Susan Weathers of Fuquay Varina had been watching the storm closely, wondering what it would mean for their Labor Day weekend plans.

“We haven’t had a family vacation in five years and it was due,” said Susan Weathers, glad to be unpacking for the family gathering at the beach.

James Weathers, who got in a little morning fishing, said he was up early watching to see how Bogue Banks had fared and if they could get there.

“As soon as they opened the bridge, I said ‘We’re going,’” he said.

Now that Hurricane Earl has passed, the weather forecast for the weekend is clear skies with day time temperatures in the mid- to high-80s and lower humidity.

“It does look beautiful,” said meteorologist Robert Frederick of the National Weather Service office in Newport.

The risk of rip currents is expected to be at least moderate today but could decrease Sunday and Monday as the seas calm after the storm, he said.