Hurricane Dorian
Learn more about the storm and its effects on Ocracoke Island
from the Ocracoke Observer's Award-Winning October 2019 Issue
Fast Facts
a brief overview of the storm's effects
September 6th 2019
Hurricane Dorian Hits Ocracoke Island
the storm made landfall around 9am
Historic Flooding
storm-surge reached 7.5 feet, the highest recorded in recent history
Structures Damaged
400 of the 1,200 structures took significant damage and 200 were ruled completely uninhabitable
Cars Flooded
300-400 cars were damaged by the floodwater; the majority were totaled
Islanders Displaced
roughly 40% of residents were displaced by the storm
October 2019
OIRRT Officially Forms
in order to address the significant need in the community, the long term recovery group forms
February 2020
Debris Removal
9,000 truck loads of debris totaling over 6,650 tons have been removed from the Island
March 6 2020
Returning Home
it is estimated conservatively that 20% of residents still remain displaced, unable to live in their own homes
September 2020
One Year Post
As the one year anniversary of the storm approaches, our community remains forever changed. Current estimates indicate that 80-90 of the original 400-450 residents displaced have not been able to return home. Our recovery effort is focused on supporting those with the most dire long-term needs, and we need your help. If you are able, please consider making a donation.
October 2020
Dorian Reconstruction Project Begins
OIRRT, Hyde County, and Christian Aid Ministries have entered into a reconstruction project in order to rebuild homes damaged or destroyed in Hurricane Dorian. For more information,
click here.
January 22 2021
First Reconstruction Project Completed
On this day, the first home in the joint reconstruction program was completed after 10 weeks of active labor. This was a "total rebuild," meaning the home was built from the ground up after being demolished post-Dorian. For more information about this project, click here.
February 8 2021
Second Reconstruction Project Completed
The second reconstruction project was a major rebuild of a gutted home, taken over from UMCOR after they dissolved their Ocracoke center. More information about this project will be released soon.
video from The News & Observer
video from Operation Blessing