11:40 PM Update July 3, 2014
Hurricane Arthur has made landfall around 11:15PM between Cape Lookout and Beaufort, N.C. Arthur becomes the first Cat 2 Hurricane to officially make landfall along the U.S. since 2008 (Ike), and the earliest hurricane to make landfall along North Carolina in recorded history.

About an hour before landfall, NOAA Station CLKN7, located at Cape Lookout, recorded sustained winds of up to 77MPH, with ferocious gusts to 101.

Arthur remains a very dangerous and potentially deadly hurricane as it traverses the outer banks and rides the Gulf Stream up to the northeast. All interests further up and off the east coast up to and through Nova Scotia, Canada should be prepared for deteriorating conditions to come.
Ciel

9:00 PM Update 3 July 2014
Hurricane Arthur reached Category 2 strength, and is currently heading toward Beaufort/Morehead City, NC, and forecast to go out over the Outer Banks,

See media and webcam links below for more info.

11:00 AM Update 3 July 2014
Hurricane Arthur continues to strengthen this morning, and now has 90mph winds. Even more recent recon reports have shown pressure to have dropped to 977mb, so a Category 2 storm is likely when it nears the Outer Banks. Do not focus on the immediate track effects will be seen out from the center, particularly on the northeast side. And surge potential is increased.

Those in the path and watch/warning area please keep tabs with local officials and media.

6:30 AM Update 3 July 2014
Arthur was upgraded to a category 1 hurricane this morning, with winds of 75mp. Moving north to north northeast at 9. miles in hour. The forecast track takes it closest to the Outer Banks over or just east of Cape Hatteras overnight tonight. The hurricane warning was also extended northward to the NC/Virginia Border.

There is some evidence that Arthur could go slightly west of the forecast track also, so anyone in the cone should prepare.

Any deviation to the left would bring hurricane conditions to more parts of the outer banks.

The only mandatory evacuation, at this time, is for Hatteras Island.

At 6AM this morning the center of the Hurricane is nearly due east of Savannah, Georgia, and slowly accelerating more to the north. Heavy rain bands are affecting South Carolina currently.

It is possible Arthur strengthens during the day today, tonight it likely begins to hit more shear which could weaken it, this morning radar presentation is improving.

Those in the warning areas should already be prepared, and listen to local media/officials regarding any possible changes.

Original Update
Tropical Storm Arthur has gained strength today, and is very near hurricane status, and could become a hurricane later tonight. In fact the latest recon reports suggest it could possibly be upgraded sooner rather than later.

The official track was shifted slightly to the west, bringing it close enough to the North Carolina coastline to raise Hurricane Warnings for the coast of North Carolina. Hurricane warnings are now up from Surf City, NC northward to Duck, NC. and includes the Pamlico and eastern Albermarle sounds. Timing would place it nearest to North Carolina overnight Thursday into Friday as a hurricane.

Forecast models, now using NOAA Gulfstream IV data, have shifted a bit west tonight, so tonight it is looking a bit worse for the coast of North Carolina. (See the forecast lounge for model discussion)

Unfortunately, If you had plans to travel to that area for the holiday, please make other plans and listed to local officials and media regarding for evacuations or other recommendations.

Be especially aware of sound side storm surge, check out the NHC's new storm surge inundation map for a general idea of how conditions may be in the Carolinas.

More to come as needed.

Event Links:

Dare County, NC Emergency Management

Eastern Carolinas Power Outage Map (Duke Energy)

Carolina Webcams (roughly south to north)
Myrtle Beach Earthcam
Holden Beach, NC Cam
Wrightsville Beach, NC Cam
Topsail Beach, NC
Emerald Isle, NC Cam
Surf City, NC Pier Cam
Morehead City, NC Harbour Live Cam
Oriental, NC Harbor Cam
Rodanthe, NC Cam
Rodanthe, NC Cam 2 (Beach Live)
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Cam
Hatteras Island, NC Cam
Multiple Outer Banks Traffic Cameras
Mutiple other Outer Banks Cams
Twiddy's Beach Cam OBX
Kill Devil Hills Pier Cam
Nags Head Cameras

Flhurricane recording of Outer Banks NC 12 Temporary bridge during Arthur
Flhurricane recording of Outer Banks NC 12 Canal zone during Arthur
Flhurricane recording of Surf City Pier cam during Arthur

Long term NC radar recording of Arthur approach

Long term Florida radar recording of Arthur

Mark Sudduth and Jessie Bass from HurricanteTrack will be venturing around the Outer Banks during Arthur

Flowing Wind Map

Outer Banks Connection - OBX forum

Carteret County, NC Police/Fire Scanner

Dare County, NC Police/Fire Scanner

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