 The gondolas were removed from the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel attraction in preparation for tropical-storm-force winds.In North Carolina, a mandatory evacuation order was issued on August 23, for Ocracoke Island and Hyde County.Governor Bev Perdue declared a state of emergency on August 25, with hurricane and tropical storm watches posted for the state; a mandatory evacuation was issued for Carteret County and for all tourists of Dare County, though the latter was extended to include all residents by the next day.