Cape Hatteras Weather & Travel Information *Updated 11/26 2PM*

Dear REAL and Watermen’s Retreat Clients,
*Our main focus is always on client and staff safety.

Cape Hatteras Travel Update #12
Issued 5pm, Wednesday, December 19th

The final section of Highway 12 just North of Rodanthe will reopen to traffic TODAY at 8pm!

Any questions or additional info needed? Give us a call at the shop 252-987-6000.
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Cape Hatteras Travel Update #11
Issued 4pm, Monday, November 26th

Sunny skies, cool temps and minimal surf make today much different than the last few weeks. NCDOT can now start repairs to Hwy 12 at S-Turns knowing that the never ending NE swell that battered the North Carolina coast is now gone.

Hwy 12 is open to 4wd vehicles. You no longer have to watch the tides, as the swell will be minimal for the next week. 2wd cars are now commonly taking the Hwy 12 shuttle versus taking the ferry, as this route is much quicker. There are two 4wd flat bed trucks that take 2wd vehicles across the sand section for $25/car – far better than burning a full day taking the ferry. The Stumpy Point/Rodanthe and Cedar Island/Ocracoke Vehicle Ferries are both still running on normal schedules.

For those that made it to Hatteras Island for Thanksgiving weekend, there were rich rewards of epic wind and waves…

Wind Thanksgiving Weekend:
Wednesday 11/21: N 20-25mph
Thursday 11/22: N 25-35mph
Friday 11/23: NW/SW 20mph (early and late in the day)
Saturday 11/24: NW 20-30mph
Sunday 11/25: SW 20-25mph

Surf Thanksgiving Weekend:
Wednesday 11/21: N 20-25mph : Storm surf Northside, Stomach to Chest and clean Southside.
Thursday 11/22: N 25-35mph : Storm surf Northside, Chest to Shoulder clean Southside.
Friday 11/23: NW/SW 20mph (early and late in the day) : Double Overhead Northside, Chest to Head Southside.
Saturday 11/24: NW 20-30mph : Overhead Northside, Chest to Shoulder Southside.
Sunday 11/25: Waist to Chest Northside

Any questions or additional info needed? Give us a call at the shop 252-987-6000.

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Weather/Travel Briefing #10 issued 6pm, Tuesday, November 14th

Welcome to Thanksgiving traveling and life on Cape Hatteras! This is going to be a busy week starting on Saturday, November 17th, so we wanted to give everyone the heads up with traveling to and from Hatteras Island.

We have a multi-day Nor'Easter in place with strong NE winds, plus a east ground swell with NE windswell on top of it. What does all this mean? Highway 12 may be impassable at times of high tide (this happened this morning), but at lower tides 4wd may still be able to drive down Hwy 12 (this also happened today).

The Stumpy Point/Rodanthe Vehicle Ferry will continue to run 8 boats per day with a capacity of about 320 cars per day. Due to increased Thanksgiving traffic, there will be longer lines than normal to get on this ferry. If you are coming for the week or weekend and want to bypass the longer lines, it has been advised to make reservations asap on the Cedar Island/Ocracoke Ferry, as you will not need to wait on any lines and your position will be guaranteed.

Conditions on the water through Thanksgiving weekend look incredible with strong NE and N winds through Wednesday November 21st, then strong NW winds on Thanksgiving Day. Surf will start out at 4ft @ 11 seconds and build to 10.5ft @ 13 seconds. The flat water and wave kiteboarding will be really good all week. For surfers, get your hunt on to find a place with good wrapping swell and offshore winds. Somewhere south of the Lighthouse will be firing every single day.

Bottom line is pack the truck and get on the island, because it will be worth the trip with solid sessions every day!

Any questions or additional info needed? Give us a call at the shop 252-987-6000.

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for updates, photos and video.

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Weather/Travel Briefing #9 issued 3pm, Tuesday, November 13th

FREE ESCORTS for everyone...

Highway 12 is OPEN to all 4wd vehicles during daylight hours. 2wd vehicles can also use this route during daylight hours and then be shuttled across .5 mile of sand on the back of a flatbed truck for $25 each way. The Stumpy Point/Rodanthe Vehicle Ferry is also running full schedule (listed below) and is free of charge.

*If you look on the NCDOT website, it says Highway 12 is closed after dark. THIS IS NOT ACCURATE. The Dare County Sheriff's Department has agreed to provide Free Escort Service down Highway 12 between dark and 10pm for 4wd vehicles only. This escort service begins at the Bonner Bridge and ends in Rodanthe.

For more travel info, please give us a call at the shop 252-987-6000 for the latest updates.

NCDOT Ferry/Travel Info
NCDOT Ferry Twitter
Stumpy Point-Rodanthe Ferry Schedule

REAL Team Rider and New Jersey local Matt Keenan sent us an update of the damage that occured in NJ and ways the surf community is trying to help out. Read more here: Hurricane Sandy Relief Initiative

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for updates, photos and video.

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Weather/Travel Briefing #8 issued 2pm, Friday, November 9th

REAL is OPEN 7 days a week 9am – 6pm ET. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000. You can also email us at REALpro@realwatersports.com.

Weather permitting, NCDOT plans to open N.C.12 to four-wheel drive traffic by noon on Saturday, Nov. 10. Initially, these vehicles will only have access to one lane of the highway and Bonner Bridge, and in some parts, they will travel over sand. In addition, NCDOT will close the four-wheel drive route from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the first few days to ensure motorist safety during the overnight hours. Once crews open both lanes of the temporary bridge, the department will allow four-wheel drive traffic 24 hours per day.

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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Weather/Travel Briefing #7 issued 12pm, Thursday, November 1st

REAL is OPEN 7 days a week 9am – 6pm ET. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000. You can also email us at REALpro@realwatersports.com.

REAL and Watermen’s Retreat are now 100% OPEN, as we received only minor damage to one dock and no damage to either REAL or Watermen’s Retreat.

*The REAL Lesson Center re-opened Tuesday, October 30th at 2pm with students and coaches enjoying WSW winds at 25-30mph. REAL lessons and camps are now running twice daily through Thanksgiving weekend.

1. The BIG NEWS today is that Hatteras Island will officially re-open to the public (including visitors) starting 6am Friday, November 2nd. Entry for all will be available via the Stumpy Point and Cedar Island Vehicle Ferries. The ferry takes about 2 hours to cross the Pamlico Sound. This is a great way to see Hatteras Island with only a fraction of the visitors normally here this time of year. See Stumpy Point Ferry schedule below.

2. Steady W and WSW continue to blow through this week. The kiting and surfing have been really good with NO CROWDS and private sessions going down everywhere.

3. REAL and Watermen’s Retreat are OPEN 7 days a week. Watermen’s Retreat has availability for 2 and 3 bedroom luxury condominiums starting at only $99/night. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or 252-987-6000.

4. If you are scheduled to arrive this or next week at REAL and/or Watermen’s Retreat, please call us to confirm your travel plans. You can reach us 7 days a week toll free at 866-REAL-548 or 252-987-6000.

5. THANK YOU for all your support during Hurricane Sandy. We’ve received countless phone calls, emails and text messages from our friends out there. We appreciate everyone pulling for us!

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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Weather/Travel Briefing #6 issued 2pm, Wednesday, October 31st

REAL is OPEN 7 days a week 9am – 6pm ET. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000. You can also email us at REALpro@realwatersports.com.

REAL and Watermen’s Retreat are now 100% OPEN, as we received only minor damage to one dock and no damage to either REAL or Watermen’s Retreat.

*The REAL Lesson Center re-opened yesterday at 2pm with students and coaches enjoying WSW winds at 25-30mph. REAL lessons and camps are now running twice daily through Thanksgiving weekend.

1. If you are scheduled to arrive this or next week at REAL and/or Watermen’s Retreat, please call us to confirm your travel plans. You can reach us 7 days a week toll free at 866-REAL-548 or 252-987-6000.

2. Highway 12 is closed north of Rodanthe for sand/debris removal and asphalt repairs.

3. The Stumpy Point/Rodanthe vehicle ferry is now running the following schedule for entry onto Hatteras Island:

Leaving Stumpy Point: 6am,8am,10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 10pm

Leaving Rodanthe : 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm

*Currently, they are allowing all visitors off of the island, and residents and essential staff onto the island via this ferry. We will update you as soon as visitors are allowed onto Hatteras Island via this ferry. No reservations are required for this ferry and vehicles/passengers are taken on a first come/first served basis. As of this morning, ferry waiting lines were minimal.

4. The Cedar Island/Ocracoke Ferry is up and running. Reservations can be made on this ferry at 1-800-293-3779, then press 2. The Ocracoke/Hatteras Ferry opens TODAY at 1pm. Once these two ferries are operational, this will allow visitor entry from the south onto Hatteras Island.

5. Following Hurricane Sandy, the Bonner Bridge was closed for mandatory inspection. This is normal protocol following every hurricane and is a state mandated requirement, even if there is no visible damage. The Bonner Bridge was inspected and re-opened to heavy vehicles at 12 noon today to allow NCDOT highway repair vehicles to get onto Hatteras Island and begin repairs. Highway 12 south onto Hatteras Island is still closed for visitor/resident entry until the road can be repaired and cleared of sand/debris.

6. We were able to get a few of our staff up to the New Inlet Bridge yesterday to inspect the bridge and roadway. The bridge is 100% operational, the road to north and south needs repair, and some sand needs to be cleared from the road on the northside of the bridge. In general, this section of Highway 12 made it through Sandy with flying colors. To see the video of what it looks like up at New Inlet and on the bridge, click HERE.

7. The REAL Lesson Center re-opened yesterday at 2pm with students and coaches enjoying WSW winds at 25-30mph. REAL lessons and camps are now running twice daily through Thanksgiving weekend.

8. The crew of SBC Kiteboard Magazine have been staying onsite at Watermen’s Retreat and conducting their 2013 gear tests here at REAL since October 20th. The entire test staff rode out the storm at Watermen’s in true Canadian style. Post Sandy, they have been treated to perfect (and private) Slick sessions with W and WSW winds in the 20-30mph range. Today they went to the Southside for some ocean downwinders Hatteras to Frisco.

9. To all of our clients, friends and families to the north of us, we are just now able to sit down and watch reports of damage to your neck of the woods. We hope everyone is doing ok with minimal damage to your property. We went through a similar situation last year with Hurricane Irene and no matter how bad it looks now, your community will pull together and rebuild, and you will be able to put this event behind you and enjoy your surroundings again. Hang tough and let us know if there is any way we can help from here.

10. THANK YOU for all your support during Hurricane Sandy. We’ve received countless phonecalls, emails and text messages from our friends out there. We appreciate everyone pulling for us!

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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Weather/Travel Briefing #5 issued 1pm, Tuesday, October 30th

REAL is OPEN 7 days a week 9am – 6pm ET. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000. You can also email us at REALpro@realwatersports.com.

*The REAL Lesson Center re-opens TODAY at 2pm and will resume daily lessons/camps schedule through Thanksgiving weekend.

1. Today is a sunny and breezy day on Hatteras Island. There are many people walking around town, collecting their vehicles from higher ground and sharing storm stories with their neighbors. At 10am the first kites were spotted in The Slick with sizes ranging from 4.5m to 7m.

2. Highway 12 is closed onto Hatteras Island due to sand, water and debris on the road at New Inlet, S-Turns, and north of Buxton and Hatteras Village. Damage assessment teams are onsite. So far the road damage looks significantly less than after Hurricane Irene. Local opinions view the road damage as repairable within 1 week. NCDOT crews are already onsite assessing damage and starting repairs.

3. The first vehicle ferry was spotted crossing Pamlico Sound around 11am this morning. There is a 1pm scheduled “test run” being conducted by the US Coast Guard. The first few runs typically bring supplies, food, water, fed ex, ups deliveries, etc. After that they typically allow visitors off the island and then residents on during the return run. We will report as soon as this re-entry timeline becomes available. Since there was no mandatory evacuation and this is the “shoulder season”, we expect ferry lines and waiting time to be significantly shorter than after Hurricane Irene.

4. As of 1pm, the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry was still not running due to high wind and rough conditions. As winds subside over the next 24-48 hours, this is expected to resume normal schedule and will allow entry on/off Hatteras Island from the south via the Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry route.

5. The REAL Lesson Center re-opens TODAY at 2pm. Students and coaches will be treated to near perfect conditions with WSW winds in the 25-30mph range.

6. Local markets and restaurants in the Tri-Villages re-opened today including Waves Market, Blue Whale and Boardwok South.

7. If you are scheduled to arrive this or next week at REAL and/or Watermen’s Retreat, please call us to confirm your travel plans. You can reach us 7 days a week toll free at 866-REAL-548 or 252-987-6000.

8. THANK YOU for all your support during Hurricane Sandy. We’ve received countless phonecalls, emails and text messages from our friends out there. We appreciate everyone pulling for us!

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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Weather/Travel Briefing #4 issued 6pm, Monday, October 29th

*We apologize about the late post today. Internet has been down throughout the day and it has been hard to maintain a consistent connection.

REAL is OPEN every day 9am – 6pm ET during Hurricane Sandy. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000. You can also email us at REALpro@realwatersports.com.

1. Hurricane Sandy turned out to have quite a bit more bite than forecasted.

2. Even though the storm passed well offshore, extremely large seas with sustained NE winds (50-60mph) delivered a pounding to the Outer Banks coastline.

3. The curved path of Sandy kept the storm within the same distance of Cape Hatteras for well over 36 hours.

4. Ocean overwash and breaches were reported in several areas including the New Inlet, S-Turns, north of Buxton and north of Hatteras village. NCDOT posted a photo New Inlet Bridge still intact, although there are reports of asphalt damage on both sides.

5. Soundside flooding began in earnest just after midnight on Sunday/Monday. Since that time strong west winds have pushed up to 4ft of water from the Pamlico Sound across low lying areas and Highway 12. Winds continue strong west but water levels have stabilized here in the Tri-Villages. Further south in Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras are all reporting significant flooding.

6. Winds should continue to blow W through tonight with speeds upwards of 50mph, Tuesday will see sunny skies and SW winds 35-40mph. Wednesday and Thursday will also see sunshine and SW winds around 25mph.

7. The REAL Flagship Store has been surprisingly busy today with walk-in traffic. Seems people are going stir crazy staying indoors and are enjoying the adventure of braving the elements to partake in a bit of clothing or gear shopping! The REAL Lesson Center was closed today but will re-open as soon as conditions subside, potentially as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.

8. We have been receiving numerous calls inquiring about properties here as well as transportation on and off the island. We will continue to report back on properties as we are able to reach them. Transportation on and off the island should flow as follows:

A. The first way on and off Hatteras Island will most likely be via the Ocracoke/Cedar Island Ferry. We’re not sure about the ability to get to this ferry until we hear back on condition on Highway 12 just north of Buxton and Hatteras villages.

B. After accessing damages to HWY 12 at S-Turns and New Inlet, NCDOT will most likely make the call to either quickly repair them, or resume ferry service from Stumpy Point to Rodanthe like they did during Hurricane Irene, or both. This ferry system is already set up and ready to go from the experience gained last year. NCDOT also has an unbelievable ability to repair highways very quickly.

9. If you are scheduled to arrive this or next week at REAL and/or Watermen’s Retreat, please call us to confirm your travel plans. You can reach us 7 days a week toll free at 866-REAL-548 or 252-987-6000. Even after Irene, REAL was open and ready to ride 3 days after the storm. Sandy didn’t pack nearly the same punch so we will be sending out lessons and camps as early as Tuesday depending on conditions.

10. We have to hand it to the Weather Channel for promoting Cape Hatteras. We’ve received numerous new inquiries about joining us on the water this Fall. REAL will remain OPEN 7 days a week through Christmas Eve. We’re looking forward to another 2 months of epic sessions on the water in 2012!

11. THANK YOU for all your support during Hurricane Sandy. We’ve received countless phonecalls, emails and text messages from our friends out there. We appreciate everyone pulling for us!

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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Weather Briefing #3 issued 11am ET, Sunday, October 28th

1. REAL is OPEN today 9am – 6pm ET. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or 252-987-6000.

2. Hurricane Sandy continues to track northeastward well offshore of Cape Hatteras and is forecasted to turn towards New Jersey Monday.

3. Cape Hatteras is experiencing strong NNE winds in the 35-55mph range with large surf conditions (23ft seas).

4. Hwy 12 is now closed at S-Turns with 2 feet of steady ocean water flowing over the asphalt. Slight overwash was also noted at Ramp 30 south of Salvo from this morning’s high tide.

5. Winds are forecasted to shift N and then NNW later today beginning at 12 noon. This will cause an increase in water levels in Pamlico Sound and will start soundside flooding in low lying areas. Winds should peak around 6pm tonight at 60mph from the NNW.

6. Winds will shift firmly NW around 9pm tonight (Sunday) and remain in the 40-50mph range. Be prepared for significant soundside and Highway 12 flooding. Winds will remain this direction/strength through Monday night.

7. Tuesday thru Thursday will see sunny skies and SW winds 25mph – 35mph, with gusts to 45mph on Tuesday.

8. The REAL Lesson Center is temporarily closed and will re-open as soon as conditions subside. Saturday, October 27th saw coaches and students on the water for both 10am and 2pm classes.

9. Yoga classes will be held at 2pm today in the REAL Lesson Center.

10. Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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Weather Briefing #2 issued 11am ET, Saturday, October 27th

1. Hurricane Sandy and the forecasted path has shifted further east overnight. Sandy will still make a left hand turn and make landfall somewhere in New Jersey.

2. This new path now puts Cape Hatteras in a better position, with slightly reduced initial windspeeds, and dramatically reduced trailing windspeeds thru mid week. It is important to remember that there will still be ocean overwash and soundside flooding associated with Sandy.

3. As of 10am this morning there was no ocean over wash in Buxton, but there were signs of slight over wash in Rodanthe from the previous high tide. Low tide today is at 12:30pm (noon). As previously stated, this is the best time to leave or enter Hatteras Island. Surf and water levels will continue to rise all day today so we expect significant over wash by the next high tide at 6:30pm. Based on morning observations, we have extended our safe window of entry/exit to 3pm ET Saturday.

4. Peak winds are expected late Saturday afternoon thru early Monday morning with windspeeds reaching upper 50’s mph.

5. We are still expecting a shift from NE to NW winds later on Sunday. This shift is now forecasted for around 6pm Sunday, but this can change. Once the winds shift to NW expect significant soundside flooding as winds will continue 40-50mph with gusts as high as 60mph. BE PREPARED for this wind shift and soundside flooding. Move vehicles to higher ground.

6. Monday’s forecast shows WNW winds 40-50mph and this is when soundside flooding will be at its peak. We should see a steady decrease in windspeeds Monday PM.

7. Tuesday thru Friday forecast now shows sunny skies and SW, W or WNW winds around between 20 and 35mph.

8. REAL is OPEN 9am to 8pm every day throughout the storm. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000.

9. The REAL Lesson Center had full books and a great day on the water yesterday with excellent NE wind conditions. Morning lessons went out again today with ENE winds 25-30mph. Afternoon lessons are on call for today, as the increase in windspeed seems to be lagging a few hours behind forecast. The REAL Lesson Center will temporarily close on Sunday until winds and conditions subside to safe levels, most likely by pm Monday.

10. Efren is very excited about the storm. He has prepped all his responsibilities and is now stocking his waterfront condo at Watermen’s Retreat.

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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Weather Briefing #1 issued 2pm ET, Friday, October 26th

Dear REAL and Watermen’s Retreat Clients,

Here is a brief synopsis of how we think Hurricane Sandy will affect us. Our focus is always on the safety of our clients and staff:

1. Hurricane Sandy will not hit Cape Hatteras. It will swing well wide of Cape Hatteras and most likely make landfall to the north of us in the New Jersey area.

2. If you are currently here and need to leave, you should do so by Saturday at 12:30pm (noon). If you are coming onto the island for this coming week, you should do so by Saturday at 12:30pm (noon). Leaving or arriving after this time will be come increasingly difficult due to ocean over wash.

3. The wind field is very wide with this storm, so regardless of the path, we will receive significant winds above 40mph, potentially as high as 60mph. This is very normal for here, but the duration of these winds is where the impact of the storm will come from.

4. We expect ocean over wash as S-Turns starting as soon as the incoming tide Saturday afternoon. Low tide Saturday is at 12:30pm (noon). If you need to leave the island to return home, you should do so prior to this incoming tide, meaning plan your exit at or before low tide. Likewise if you are entering the island for this upcoming week, you should enter before this low tide, knowing that you will then be on the island until the over wash and sand on the highway are cleared. Every hour after low tide will increase chances of ocean over wash.

5. Winds will shift from strong NE to strong NW overnight Sunday/Monday. This will cause soundside flooding in low-lying areas. Please BE AWARE this shift will happen overnight, so don’t get caught with your guard down.

6. We expect strong NW shifting W winds through at least Wednesday. This will bring increased soundside flooding. How much soundside flooding we receive is based on wind speeds and duration. Right now we are forecasting Hwy 12 being flooded in many areas between Buxton and Rodanthe. (Not as high as Irene, due to lower windspeeds).

7. Strong W winds shifting WSW are forecasted into Wednesday. As soon as winds shift SW we should see sound water levels ease.

8. REAL will remain OPEN every day throughout the storm, 9am to 8pm ET. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000. The REAL Lesson Center will temporarily close beginning Sunday, October 28th. All REAL Lesson Center and Watermen’s Retreat Clients should contact REAL at their earliest convenience to arrange any rescheduling that needs to be done.

9. Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

Weather Briefing #2 issued 11am, Saturday, October 27th

1. Hurricane Sandy and the forecasted path has shifted further east overnight. Sandy will still make a left hand turn and make landfall somewhere in New Jersey.

2. This new path now puts Cape Hatteras in a better position, with slightly reduced initial windspeeds, and dramatically reduced trailing windspeeds thru mid week. It is important to remember that there will still be ocean overwash and soundside flooding associated with Sandy.

3. As of 10am this morning there was no ocean over wash in Buxton, but there were signs of slight over wash in Rodanthe from the previous high tide. Low tide today is at 12:30pm (noon). As previously stated, this is the best time to leave or enter Hatteras Island. Surf and water levels will continue to rise all day today so we expect significant over wash by the next high tide at 6:30pm. Based on morning observations, we have extended our safe window of entry/exit to 3pm ET Saturday.

4. Peak winds are expected late Saturday afternoon thru early Monday morning with windspeeds reaching upper 50’s mph.

5. We are still expecting a shift from NE to NW winds later on Sunday. This shift is now forecasted for around 6pm Sunday, but this can change. Once the winds shift to NW expect significant soundside flooding as winds will continue 40-50mph with gusts as high as 60mph. BE PREPARED for this wind shift and soundside flooding. Move vehicles to higher ground.

6. Monday’s forecast shows WNW winds 40-50mph and this is when soundside flooding will be at its peak. We should see a steady decrease in windspeeds Monday PM.

7. Tuesday thru Friday forecast now shows sunny skies and SW, W or WNW winds around between 20 and 35mph.

8. REAL is OPEN 9am to 8pm every day throughout the storm. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000.

9. The REAL Lesson Center had full books and a great day on the water yesterday with excellent NE wind conditions. Morning lessons went out again today with ENE winds 25-30mph. Afternoon lessons are on call for today, as the increase in windspeed seems to be lagging a few hours behind forecast. The REAL Lesson Center will temporarily close on Sunday until winds and conditions subside to safe levels, most likely by pm Monday.

10. Efren is very excited about the storm. He has prepped all his responsibilities and is now stocking his waterfront condo at Watermen’s Retreat.

**Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.

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October 26, 2012
2PM ET Update

Dear REAL and Watermen’s Retreat Clients,

Here is a brief synopsis of how we think Hurricane Sandy will affect us. Our focus is always on the safety of our clients and staff:

1. Hurricane Sandy will not hit Cape Hatteras. It will swing well wide of Cape Hatteras and most likely make landfall to the north of us in the New Jersey area.

2. If you are currently here and need to leave, you should do so by Saturday at 12:30pm (noon). If you are coming onto the island for this coming week, you should do so by Saturday at 12:30pm (noon). Leaving or arriving after this time will be come increasingly difficult due to ocean over wash.

3. The wind field is very wide with this storm, so regardless of the path, we will receive significant winds above 40mph, potentially as high as 60mph. This is very normal for here, but the duration of these winds is where the impact of the storm will come from.

4. We expect ocean over wash as S-Turns starting as soon as the incoming tide Saturday afternoon. Low tide Saturday is at 12:30pm (noon). If you need to leave the island to return home, you should do so prior to this incoming tide, meaning plan your exit at or before low tide. Likewise if you are entering the island for this upcoming week, you should enter before this low tide, knowing that you will then be on the island until the over wash and sand on the highway are cleared. Every hour after low tide will increase chances of ocean over wash.

5. Winds will shift from strong NE to strong NW overnight Sunday/Monday. This will cause soundside flooding in low-lying areas. Please BE AWARE this shift will happen overnight, so don’t get caught with your guard down.

6. We expect strong NW shifting W winds through at least Wednesday. This will bring increased soundside flooding. How much soundside flooding we receive is based on wind speeds and duration. Right now we are forecasting Hwy 12 being flooded in many areas between Buxton and Rodanthe. (Not as high as Irene, due to lower windspeeds).

7. Strong W winds shifting WSW are forecasted into Wednesday. As soon as winds shift SW we should see sound water levels ease.

8. REAL will remain OPEN every day throughout the storm, 9am to 8pm ET. You can reach us toll free at 866-REAL-548 or International 252-987-6000. The REAL Lesson Center will temporarily close beginning Sunday, October 28th. All REAL Lesson Center and Watermen’s Retreat Clients should contact REAL at their earliest convenience to arrange any rescheduling that needs to be done.

9. Stay tuned to this page on our website, as well as the REAL Facebook Page for Hurricane Sandy updates, photos and video.