There are vegetated, larger inland dunes, unceremoniously called “hills” on that island. There is high ground. A 15 foot storm surge on Ocracoke appears very unlikely at present, however if such a thing were to occur, it’s not the entire island covered to a depth of 15 feet. That depth is the surge on the beach. The beach dune line serves as protection against this. Should there be a “blowout” in the beach dune line then the storm surge will rush through, but not at 15 feet. Storm surge can also affect the island on the sound side, but it’s not typically as severe. You’re talking about a place that floods in a thunderstorm. It’s not as if they don’t deal with high water day in and day out. Again, they made their decision, they’re staying. The consequences of their decision is theirs to bear, there will be no way off that island once the storm comes in until it passes. They know this.
Florence’ winds are weakening too — should help with wave height.
Am closing out here — Moving over to thread #2... :-)