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Mandatory Evacuation for Hatteras Island Visitors Remains in Effect as Prolonged Coastal Storm Continues
The mandatory evacuation order for all visitors to Hatteras Island remains in effect as a prolonged coastal storm continues to threaten roadway access and produce hazardous conditions.
Visitors are not permitted to enter Hatteras Island at this time and will not be allowed to return until the storm system has passed and conditions along N.C. Highway 12 have improved to the point that the roadway is no longer threatened by ocean overwash.
Although N.C. Highway 12 remained open overnight and is currently passable, the threat of ocean overwash and roadway closures continues. The nor’easter is expected to remain offshore well into next week, with repeated high tide cycles posing an ongoing threat to roadway access. The next high tide is expected around 1:30 p.m. today (Sunday, October 18). Motorists should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including the possibility of road closures with little warning.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), crews resumed clearing wind-blown sand from N.C. Highway 12 early Sunday morning and are working to address dune erosion near the Pea Island Visitor Center and the Canal Zone. While crews continue working to maintain access, conditions will likely deteriorate as the storm persists.
State of Emergency and Access Restrictions
The state of emergency for Hatteras Island also remains in effect. While visitors are prohibited from entering Hatteras Island, access is permitted for individuals in the following priority groups as long as N.C. Highway 12 remains open and passable:
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Priority One: Essential Personnel
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Priority Two: Permanent Residents and Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses
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Priority Three: Non-Resident Property Owners and Non-Resident Employees of Non-Critical Businesses
The mandatory evacuation order applies only to visitors on Hatteras Island. No evacuation order has been issued for Hatteras Island residents or for areas of Dare County north of Oregon Inlet. Visitors who remain on Hatteras Island are urged to depart while travel conditions allow.
Coastal Flooding and Dangerous Ocean Conditions
The prolonged storm continues to produce dangerous surf, strong rip currents, beach erosion and the potential for ocean overwash along Dare County's coastline.
Soundside flooding has already begun in Hatteras Village, with the greatest impacts expected today through at least Tuesday, October 20. Minor flooding is expected to continue, although the extent and duration will depend on the storm's track, strength and wind direction. Residents in flood-prone areas should be prepared to move vehicles to higher ground.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant throughout this extended weather event and prepare for the possibility of flooding and disruptions to travel. Never drive through flooded roadways and obey all posted road closure signs.
Extremely dangerous ocean conditions are expected to continue along Dare County beaches, with large breaking waves, powerful rip currents and significant beach erosion.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay out of the ocean and remain a safe distance from the shoreline.
Updates & Road Conditions:
Visitors with upcoming Hatteras Island reservations should not travel toward the island at this time. They should contact their accommodations provider directly about their reservation. Dare County cannot change lodging reservations or provide information about individual accommodations.
Dare County Emergency Management continues to closely monitor this developing coastal storm in coordination with the National Weather Service, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and local and state partners.
For ongoing information and local preparedness resources, visit DareNC.gov/Storm. To receive emergency text alerts from Dare County, text DareEmergencyAlerts to 77295.
For additional information or questions about the evacuation, call the Dare County Emergency Management Information Line at 252-475-5655.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than 12 noon on Monday, October 19.
National Park Service – Cape Hatteras National Seashore Update:
The campgrounds, off-road vehicle ramps and visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial are closed. Reopening will begin after conditions improve and post-storm assessments are complete. Updates will be provided at http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
Threatened Oceanfront Structures:
Several privately owned oceanfront houses in Rodanthe remain structurally compromised and at risk of collapse, creating significant safety hazards because of exposed septic systems and instability during periods of high surf and strong onshore winds.
If a house collapses, visitors should avoid walking, swimming or engaging in recreational activities near or downwind of the collapse site, as debris may be transported for miles along Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
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