Reentry Guidelines for Hatteras Island Announced Following Mandatory Evacuation Order Issued Due to Hurricane Erin
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island will be safe for travel at 12 p.m., and Dare County officials have established a staged reentry process following the Mandatory Evacuation order that was issued due to Hurricane Erin.
This staged reentry process enables those who live on Hatteras Island to return to their residences—and for those who own property on Hatteras Island to check their homes before visitors are permitted to return. In addition, it enables employees to return to assist businesses and property managers with preparing for the return of visitors.
- Priority 2 and Priority 3 are allowed access today (Saturday, August 23, 2025) at 12 p.m.
- Priority 4 access will go into effect tomorrow (Sunday, August 24, 2025) at 5 a.m. Visitors will be allowed entry at this time, as all restrictions on entry will be lifted.
Details for each priority level are listed below.
Important Reminders: NCDOT crews continue to work to remove remaining sand and water on N.C. Highway 12. Standing water on roadways may be saltwater, which is very damaging to vehicles. Proceed with caution, and drive slowly to reduce the risk of damage. If you encounter NCDOT personnel, please give them plenty of room to continue working to clear the roads.
Heavy rain is expected on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Some areas of Hatteras Island may be more susceptible to flooding from heavy rain due to potential drainage challenges as a result of Hurricane Erin. For updated forecasts from the National Weather Service, visit https://www.weather.gov/mhx.
Visitors heading to Hatteras Island (which includes Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras) on Sunday, August 24, 2025 or later this week are asked to confirm reservations with their accommodation provider/property management company before traveling to Hatteras Island.
Reentry Schedule Details
Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Priority 2: Permanent Residents and Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses
Permanent residents may reenter on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 12 p.m. by presenting a valid Priority 2 Reentry Permit, a valid North Carolina Driver License/Identification Card issued by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles or a Voter Registration Card issued by the North Carolina State Board of Elections, along with a government-issued photo identification that matches the name on the Voter Registration Card. The Driver License, Identification Card or Voter Registration Card must display a Hatteras Island address to gain entry. To expedite movement through traffic control points, have your reentry documents in full view and ready for inspection as you approach.
Non-resident essential personnel for critical businesses—such as grocery stores, food distributors, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, property management, building supply stores and hotels—will be permitted reentry with a reentry permit and matching current government-issued ID.
Priority 3: Non-Resident Property Owners and Non-Resident Employees of Non-Critical Businesses
Non-resident property owners will also be allowed reentry on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 12 p.m. with a current real property tax bill or property record with matching current government-issued identification -OR- a reentry permit with matching current government-issued identification.
Non-resident employees of non-critical businesses will be allowed entry with a reentry permit with matching current government-issued identification.
Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 5 a.m.
Priority 4 - General Public and Visitors
No reentry permit is needed for Priority Four. On Sunday, August 24, 2025 beginning at 5 a.m., Hatteras Island will be fully accessible to the public.
For more information, visit DareNC.gov/Reentry.
Swimming Prohibition (Countywide):
Due to life-threatening ocean conditions—including rip currents and extremely hazardous surf and large breaking waves—double red flags remain posted throughout all Dare County beaches by local ocean rescue agencies, indicating that no one may enter the waters of the Atlantic Ocean anywhere in Dare County. This prohibition includes swimming with or without flotation devices, rafts, or other aids. A violation of this restriction is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14-288.20A
-
Surfing Exception: Entry with a surfboard is permitted. A surfboard is defined as a fiberglass and foam combination at least five feet in length, having a minimum of one fin, and used in conjunction with a leash.
Stay Informed:
Sign Up for Local Alerts:
-
Emergency Alerts: Sign up to receive customized alerts—including reentry information and other time-critical notifications—at www.OBXAlerts.com
-
Beach & Ocean Conditions: Get daily beach condition updates via text by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295. For rip current safety, red flag warnings, and more, visit www.LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com
|
