"NC Vacation Island To Be Cleared as Earl Nears"

"RALEIGH, N.C. — Tourists on a North Carolina vacation destination island were preparing to board the ferries and head for the mainland early Wednesday and more evacuations could be on the way as powerful Hurricane Earl threatened to sideswipe the East Coast.

Hyde County spokeswoman Jamie Tunnell, said about 30 cars, including trucks pulling campers, were lined up to board ferries that would begin leaving Ocracoke Island on the state's Outer Banks for the 2 1/2-hour trip to shore.

"Ferries are the only way off unless you have a private plane or boat," Tunnell said.

The 800 or so year-round residents don't have to heed it, but Emergency Services Director Lindsey Mooney said officials hope they'll follow tourists and leave the island."

Tom Breen reports for the Associated Press September 1, 2010.