Power restoration may be a little sooner than first thought. Crews have been working on two solutions to restore main-line transmission service to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands: repair of the underground cable and construction on an overhead transmission line. Attempts to dewater the trench at the site have been unsuccessful, so Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative will work to complete the overhead transmission line. The restoration timeframe is one to two days, with plans to have power back by Saturday. The new line will need to stay energize for several hours while the cooperative tests the cables. After testing, CHEC will begin to gradually introduce electrical load to the line.
UPDATE (Friday, Aug. 3 1750): Power has been restored to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands as of late Thursday afternoon. Dare County officials say visitors can begin accessing Hatteras Island Friday at noon. No word yet on when Ocracoke will begin allowing vacationers.
UPDATED (Friday, Aug. 3 1820): A post on Hyde County Government's Twitter feed announces the lifting of a state of emergency. The lifting of the mandatory evacuation of visitors from Ocracoke Island will occur at Friday, Aug. 4 at 1200.
