Dare County declares a state of emergency and is the first to announce mandatory evacuations ahead of Hurricane Dorian.

Officials with the Dare County Control Group declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon to ensure public safety across the county.

A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all Dare County visitors beginning Tuesday, September 3 at noon.

A mandatory evacuation order for all Dare County residents begins on Wednesday, September 4 at 6am.

Officials urge visitors and residents to make their final preparations now.