Tropical Strom Arthur gains hurricane strength

July 3, 2014
Zaina Kahuk
News Writer
Headlines

Tropical Storm Arthur has strengthened into a hurricane and headed toward North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which is a popular vacation spot for the 4th of July. Dare County officials said a mandatory evacuation of Hatteras Island along the Outer Banks on Thursday morning and after that no one will be allowed on the island. Officials told residents and visitors to evacuate during daylight before the tropical storm brings high winds, rough seas, dangerous rip currents and possible flooding. The National Hurricane Center has sent out a hurricane warning for all of Dare County and Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency for 25 coastal and adjoining counties.The National Hurricane Center predicted it would grow to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of at least 74 mph sometime Thursday.