Ocracoke, North Carolina, September 3, 2025
News Summary
N.C. Highway 12, the key road to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, has reopened after flooding from Hurricane Erin created significant disruptions. The NCDOT worked diligently to clear sand and debris, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists. Evacuation orders were lifted for Hatteras Island, allowing residents and business employees to return, with tourists expected to follow soon. However, caution is advised due to residual floodwaters and elevated threats of rip currents along the coast.
Ocracoke, North Carolina — N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Following Flooding from Hurricane Erin
N.C. Highway 12, the primary roadway connecting North Carolina’s Outer Banks, reopened on Saturday after being closed due to severe flooding from Hurricane Erin. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) had been working continuously to clear sand and debris from the highway, which is now designated as safe for travel.
A storm surge of up to four feet, combined with the occurrence of a new Moon, caused significant overwash and flooding during high tide, leading to extensive disruptions for local residents and businesses. As a result of the flooding, Dare County lifted its mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island and established a staged re-entry process for residents, property owners, and business operators.
Starting Saturday at noon, members of Priority 2 and Priority 3 groups, which include residents and business employees, were allowed to return to the island. The reentry restrictions are set to fully expire on Sunday, allowing tourists to return as well. Areas such as Rodanthe, Salvo, and the village of Hatteras, which heavily rely on summer tourism, are now accessible for visitors once again.
Travelers are advised to check with hotels, rental companies, and campgrounds for possible changes to their reservations as the hospitality sector begins to recover. Governor Josh Stein visited Dare County on Friday to assess damage and the impact of Hurricane Erin, stressing the need for prompt recovery efforts, particularly for small businesses hit hard by the storm.
The highway is known to be affected by hurricanes, nor’easters, and seasonal high-tide conditions, resulting in frequent temporary closures. Despite the reopening, transportation officials have cautioned that drivers may still encounter residual floodwaters, especially due to a lingering frontal boundary which could lead to further rain in the area. Additionally, standing water may contain saltwater that can damage vehicles, so motorists are urged to drive with caution.
The threat of rip currents along the North Carolina coast and other parts of the East Coast is expected to remain elevated into the following week, as hazardous surf conditions were generated by Hurricane Erin. Reports indicate that hundreds of rescues occurred in the days leading up to the hurricane’s closest approach to the U.S.
Hurricane Erin was classified as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm produced dangerous surf conditions along various sections of the East Coast, leading to beach closures and swimming restrictions. The evacuation orders were necessitated by roadway closures due to sand and water accumulation, and rescue operations, alongside damage inspections, are still being conducted in areas like Ocracoke, one of the most impacted regions.
Local states of emergency were initiated in affected counties, with potential damage costs expected to reach millions based on historical precedents. Fortunately, as Hurricane Erin moves northeast away from the U.S. coast, it is anticipated that its strength will diminish.
Key Points
- N.C. Highway 12 reopened after Hurricane Erin’s flooding.
- Dare County lifted evacuation orders for residents and businesses.
- Tourists can return to the Outer Banks starting Sunday.
- Warnings remain for residual floodwaters and rip currents.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | Saturday, after clearing efforts by NCDOT |
| Evacuation Status | Mandatory orders lifted; staged reentry in effect |
| Access Areas | Rodanthe, Salvo, Hatteras |
| Current Threats | Residual floodwaters, saltwater damage, rip currents |
| Hurricane Classification | Category 2 with sustained winds of 100 mph |
FAQ
When did N.C. Highway 12 reopen?
N.C. Highway 12 reopened on Saturday following the cleanup from flooding caused by Hurricane Erin.
What areas are accessible now?
The highway reopening includes access to Rodanthe, Salvo, and the village of Hatteras.
Are there any travel advisories?
Yes, drivers should be cautious of residual floodwaters and the potential for rip currents along the coast.
What was the classification of Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin was classified as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 mph.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Threatens Homes in Rodanthe, NC
Ferry Bus Service Enhances Student Safety in Currituck County
Record Visitor Spending Boosts North Carolina Tourism
Hurricane Erin Causes Major Coastal Disruptions
North Carolina Tourism Resilient Amid Hurricane Challenges
Access Restored to Hatteras Island After Hurricane Erin
Coastal Erosion and Storm Costs Rise in Outer Banks, NC
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens for Travel After Hurricane Erin
Hatteras Island Residents Return as N.C. Highway 12 Reopens
N.C. 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin Impact
Additional Resources
- CNN: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Washington Post: Hurricane Erin Path
- WRAL: Tracking Tropical Storm Erin
- Fox Weather: Hurricane Erin Impact on Outer Banks
- USA Today: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin (2025)
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
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.
