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Hatteras Island Visitor Evacuation Remains in Place; Coastal Storm Threat Far from Over
Dare County’s mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remains in place as a persistent nor’easter brings additional days of coastal flooding, strong winds and dangerous ocean conditions. Entry to Hatteras Island remains closed to visitors.
Remain Vigilant: More High Tide Cycles Ahead
County officials urge everyone to remain vigilant. Although impacts have varied between locations and high tide cycles, the storm continues to pose a significant threat. The National Weather Service forecasts water levels during high tides today (October 19) through Thursday, October 22, to exceed those experienced so far during this event.
Repeated wave action has already caused substantial beach erosion, leaving vulnerable areas exposed to further overwash. Overwash has occurred on side streets from Mirlo Beach through Rodanthe and near the Pea Island Visitor Center. Additional flooding is likely to affect portions of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island as the storm persists.
Roadway Access Remains at Risk
With several more high tide cycles ahead, roadway access could be interrupted with little warning. Those on Hatteras Island should be ready for the possibility of extended road closures that could limit access to essential supplies and emergency services. Ferry operations are also experiencing disruptions that may last into midweek.
Soundside Flooding Continues
Along southern Hatteras Island, minor to moderate soundside flooding remains a concern through at least Thursday, October 22. Small changes in wind direction could significantly affect where water accumulates and how long it remains. Those in areas prone to soundside flooding should be prepared to move vehicles to higher ground.
Strong Winds and Dangerous Ocean Conditions
North to northeast winds will be strongest today and tonight, with coastal gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph. Gusts near 40 mph may persist through Wednesday, October 21, followed by a gradual decrease.
Ocean conditions will remain hazardous even as winds eventually begin to ease. Waves are forecast to peak today and tonight and stay elevated through Wednesday, continuing to erode beaches and push water toward vulnerable stretches of shoreline. Stay out of the ocean, avoid hazardous shoreline areas and never drive through flooded roads.
Visitor Entry Restrictions Remain in Place for Hatteras Island
While N.C. Highway 12 has remained open and passable through the storm so far, NCDOT reports ongoing coastal erosion, high water and wind-blown sand on N.C. Highway 12. The continued threat of ocean overwash and sudden closures could leave visitors stranded, making it necessary to keep the evacuation order in place.
The evacuation is for Hatteras Island visitors only. Hatteras Island residents and areas north of Oregon Inlet are not under an evacuation order. Entry to Hatteras Island is currently permitted for individuals with Priority One, Priority Two and Priority Three reentry credentials.
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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
Visitor entry will resume only after the storm has passed and N.C. Highway 12 is no longer threatened by ocean overwash. Dare County will announce when restrictions are lifted. 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.
Updates & Road Conditions:
Continue following official updates at 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 Tuesday, October 20.
Dare County Public Works
Trash collection for Hatteras Island customers will operate on a regular schedule unless N.C. Highway 12 becomes unsafe. At that time, an update on trash collection will be provided. Subscribe to receive email and/or text updates regarding trash collection schedule changes for unincorporated areas of Dare County at DareNC.gov/Trash.
National Park Service – Cape Hatteras National Seashore Update:
All Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds, off-road vehicle routes, and lighthouse climbing remain closed due to hazardous conditions. All other facilities are open consistent with regular seasonal schedules.
As a reminder, 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 the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
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