 Prior to the arrival of the storm , the National Park Service closed visitor centers and campgrounds along the Outer Banks . For about 12 hours , the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke was closed . North Carolina Governor Mike Easley put rescue teams and the National Guard on standby . Residents and tourists were advised to secure loose objects , and to remain indoors . As the storm 's effects were expected to be minor , no evacuations were ordered . On Ocracoke Island , boats were hauled out . The threat of the storm forced the cancellation of a fishing tournament at Atlantic Beach , which resulted in effects to the local economy . 
