July 29 (UPI) -- Thousands of tourists on two of North Carolina's barrier islands had their vacations abruptly cut short after the state's governor order them evacuated because a construction crew accidentally cut off electricity.
Gov. Roy Cooper ordered Hatteras and Ocracoke islands evacuated Friday night after a crew repairing a bridge in the area damaged the electrical lines powering both islands. Cooper's office said the lack of electricity to power air conditioners and refrigerate food posed a public health risk and power may not be restored "for weeks."