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Hatteras Island Visitor Evacuation Remains in Effect; N.C. Highway 12 Closed Between Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe
The mandatory evacuation order for all Hatteras Island visitors remains in effect as ocean overwash has closed N.C. Highway 12 between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe. Although skies may be clear across much of the area, the offshore nor’easter continues to produce dangerous coastal conditions, with additional flooding and overwash expected during high tides through Thursday, October 22.
N.C. Highway 12 Closure and Reopening Efforts
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), N.C. Highway 12 closed at approximately 6 p.m. Monday, October 19, after ocean overwash breached protective dunes and flooded the highway near the Pea Island Visitor Center.
NCDOT reports that the highway has not sustained pavement damage at the visitor center. Crews are repairing and replacing protective sand along the road’s shoulder and rebuilding approximately 1,000 feet of dunes lost overnight. Crews are making progress but continued high tide cycles will affect their work and the ability to restore access.
Motorists must not enter the closed area. Never drive around barricades. Flooded roadway conditions are unsafe for travel.
Coastal Flooding Threat Continues Through Thursday
The National Weather Service warns that water levels during high tides today (October 20) through Thursday, October 22 could be similar to or higher than those already experienced. Substantial beach erosion has occurred, and repeated high tide cycles could bring additional overwash and prolong travel disruptions.
Minor soundside flooding is also expected to continue through Thursday, October 22 in southern Hatteras Island. Residents in flood-prone areas should be prepared to move vehicles to higher ground.
Winds and seas are forecast to begin decreasing on Thursday, October 22, with conditions gradually improving late in the week. However, coastal flooding will continue even as winds ease. Residents should remain prepared for the possibility of being isolated for multiple days while roadway access is disrupted.
Visitor Entry Restrictions Remain in Place for Hatteras Island
Visitors are not permitted to enter Hatteras Island at this time. Visitor entry will resume only after N.C. Highway 12 is no longer threatened by ocean overwash. Dare County will announce when restrictions are lifted.
Priority One, Two and Three entry remains authorized under the county’s reentry restrictions; however, this authorization does not permit travel through the closed section of N.C. Highway 12. All travelers must follow NCDOT closures and barricades.
The evacuation order applies only to Hatteras Island visitors. Hatteras Island residents and areas north of Oregon Inlet are not under an evacuation order.
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, call the Dare County Emergency Management Information Line at 252-475-5655.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21.
Dare County Public Works Trash Collection:
Trash collection on Hatteras Island is suspended until N.C. Highway 12 becomes safe for travel. An updated collection schedule will be announced once conditions allow service to resume. Subscribe to receive email and/or text updates regarding trash collection schedule changes for unincorporated areas of Dare County at DareNC.gov/Trash.
Dare County Parks & Recreation:
All Dare County Parks and Recreation activities will be held as scheduled today, Tuesday, October 20.
National Park Service – Cape Hatteras National Seashore:
Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds and lighthouse climbing operations are currently closed. The reopening of off-road vehicle ramps will be announced at http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess..
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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