Dare County Bulletin #1: Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for Hatteras Island Visitors Due to Anticipated Extended Closure of N.C. Highway 12

As of 6 p.m. this evening, a state of emergency has been issued for Hatteras Island.  A mandatory evacuation order for visitors on Hatteras Island takes effect at 8 p.m. tonight (Friday, October 16). This includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. 

The evacuation order applies only to Hatteras Island visitors. No evacuation has been issued for residents of Hatteras Island or for areas north of Oregon Inlet.    

The order follows an updated National Weather Service forecast indicating greater impacts from a developing coastal nor’easter. County officials anticipate that prolonged coastal flooding and repeated ocean overwash will likely close N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island for an extended period, cutting off roadway access to and from the island. The length of any road closure will depend on the storm’s duration, resulting damage and the work required to safely reopen the highway. 

All Hatteras Island visitors should leave before conditions deteriorate and roadway access is compromised. Conditions will begin to deteriorate as winds and seas build throughout the day Saturday, October 17, and into Sunday morning, October 18. The greatest potential for ocean overwash will occur around each high tide, beginning Saturday, October 17, at approximately 1 p.m.  

Visitors are asked to take all personal belongings and follow departure instructions from their property management company or accommodations provider. Visitors with upcoming reservations on Hatteras Island should contact their accommodations provider to adjust their plans and should not travel toward the island while the evacuation order is in effect.