Hatteras Island, North Carolina, August 25, 2025
News Summary
N.C. Highway 12 has officially reopened after thorough cleanup efforts post-Hurricane Erin, which caused significant flooding and damage. Dare County is allowing a staged reentry process for residents and essential personnel, while tourists remain barred from returning. Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of maintaining this crucial roadway for local residents and tourism. Hurricane Erin, classified as a Category 2 storm, created serious threats along the North Carolina coast, with evacuation orders issued and reports of rescues due to hazardous conditions.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina – N.C. Highway 12, crucial for connecting Hatteras Island to the mainland, has reopened after extensive cleanup efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Erin. Roads were previously obstructed by flooding, prompting Dare County officials to implement a staged reentry process for residents impacted by mandatory evacuation orders.
The reentry process prioritizes residents and essential personnel, with Priority 1 allowing them to return, provided they show valid reentry permits or identification that confirms their residence in Hatteras. Priority 2 includes permanent residents, while Priority 3 allows access for non-resident property owners and employees of non-critical businesses, necessitating a current real property tax bill or matching identification. Priority 4, which includes the general public and tourists, remains restricted from returning to the area.
NCDOT crews continue to work diligently to clear sand and standing water from the roadways. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and avoid areas where NCDOT teams are operating, as standing saltwater can cause severe vehicle damage.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the importance of Highway 12 for local residents and tourism, noting that between 2012 and 2022, over $70 million has been spent on maintaining this vital roadway, not counting beach nourishment projects. Ongoing environmental changes could exacerbate flooding and overwash events from storms, according to a collaborative study.
Details of Hurricane Erin’s Impact
Hurricane Erin escalated to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds nearing 100 mph, tracking parallel to the East Coast without a direct landfall. Coastal communities in North Carolina faced significant threats, including wave surges and hazardous tropical storm conditions.
The hurricane’s impact included the blockage of ferry services to Ocracoke Island due to rising waters, as well as road closures and traffic disruptions. Evacuation orders were swiftly issued as the storm approached the Outer Banks during the peak tourist season. Additionally, reports indicated at least 75 rescues from hazardous rip currents at Wrightsville Beach, reinforcing the dangerous ocean conditions linked to the hurricane.
The storm inflicted severe beach erosion and posed risks to properties along the Outer Banks, with several homes precariously situated and at risk of collapse. In preparation for the storm’s arrival, state officials deployed 200 National Guard troops to assist in storm-related preparations along the coast.
Nationwide, rip current warnings have been issued along the East Coast, leading to beach closures in New York City, Long Island, and parts of New Jersey. Several high tide events are anticipated, further increasing the risk for coastal flooding in these areas. Street closures and property damage from wind and high surf have been reported across North Carolina as well as New Jersey, with fatalities related to rip currents noted so far this year. On average, 100 deaths occur annually in the U.S. due to these dangerous ocean conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was N.C. Highway 12 reopened?
N.C. Highway 12 was reopened for travel after cleaning efforts following Hurricane Erin’s flooding.
2. What is the reentry process for residents of Hatteras Island?
The reentry process is staged, allowing permanent residents and essential personnel to return first, followed by non-resident property owners and employees of non-critical businesses.
3. Are tourists allowed back on Hatteras Island?
No, tourists and the general public are currently not allowed to return; reentry is limited to specific priorities.
4. What caused the road closures on Hatteras Island?
Road closures were mainly due to flooding caused by Hurricane Erin and the associated storm conditions.
5. What preparations were made in anticipation of Hurricane Erin?
A total of 200 National Guard troops were mobilized to assist with storm preparation along the coast.
Key Features of the Storm and Its Impact
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| The Hurricane | Category 2 with max winds of 100 mph |
| Road Status | N.C. Highway 12 reopened after cleanup |
| Reentry Process | Staged access for residents; tourists currently barred |
| National Guard Deployment | 200 troops mobilized for storm preparations |
| Rip Current Rescues | At least 75 rescues reported |
| Annual Rip Current Fatalities | Average of 100 deaths per year in the U.S. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Hatteras Island Evacuation Orders Lifted After Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks with Evacuations
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island Safe for Travel After Hurricane Erin
N.C. Highway 12 Closed Due to Hurricane Erin Impact
Rodanthe Faces Coastal Erosion with Urgent Repairs
Raleigh, N.C. Endures Significant Flooding Following Coastal Storm
Ocracoke Island Family Tragedy: Fatal Accident on N.C. Highway 12 Leaves Community in Shock
Ocracoke Island Faces Severe Disruption Due to Ocean Overwash Flooding
Additional Resources
- WRAL: N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Hatteras Post Hurricane Erin
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- CBS17: Hurricane Erin Buries Outer Banks Motel
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- AP News: Hurricane Erin Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- CBS News: Hurricane Erin Lashes Outer Banks
- Weather.com: Live Updates on Hurricane Erin
- ABC11: Hurricane Erin Forecast and Updates
- 13 News Now: Hurricane Erin’s Impact Lingers
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
