Tropical Storm Arthur Takes Aim on the Carolinas. Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for Hatteras Island

Tropical Storm Arthur swirls off the coast of Florida this morning in a photo shot by astronaut Reid Wiseman aboard the International Space Station. (Source: Reid Wiseman/NASA) If you were hoping to hang on the 4th on the beaches of the Carolinas, Tropical Storm Arthur — which will likely be declared a hurricane soon — just trashed your plans. And forget about heading for Hatteras Island: A mandatory evacuation order has just been issued for the island, beginning at 5:00 a.m., Thursday, July 3, 2014. After 5:00 a.m. Thursday, no access will be allowed.