Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Ocracoke Island experienced road closures and ferry suspensions due to high winds and ocean overwash. NCDOT reported hazardous conditions led to the closure of N.C. Highway 12, with winds reaching 65-70 mph. Localized flooding concerns accompanied heavy rain and isolated storms. While conditions improved and the road reopened, travelers were advised to stay alert for debris and water hazards. The severe weather underscores the impact on transportation and safety in the Outer Banks.
Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
A portion of N.C. Highway 12 was closed late Monday due to high winds and significant ocean overwash affecting travel and safety in the Outer Banks area. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported the closure occurred around 4 p.m., affecting the stretch of road between the northern ferry terminal and the National Park Service Pony Pens on Ocracoke Island.
During the closure, a bulldozer was deployed to clear the road of any obstructive debris. However, the conditions remained hazardous until the road was reopened just before noon on Tuesday. As a precaution, the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry service was temporarily suspended due to the adverse weather conditions experienced on Monday.
The high winds recorded in the area reached impressive speeds of approximately 65 to 70 miles per hour. One notable incident involved a modular home being dislodged from its trailer on the Marc Basnight Bridge around 1:40 p.m. Monday. This mobile home overturned and landed on the bridge rails near Rodanthe, prompting the immediate removal of all traffic from the bridge. Officials were unable to provide an estimate for when it would reopen, as high winds continued to pose dangers. The bridge eventually reopened around 9:30 p.m. after the scene was cleared.
As conditions improved on Tuesday, NCDOT announced that ferry services resumed, and N.C. 12’s northern segment was also deemed safe for travel. However, drivers were cautioned to remain vigilant on reopened roads, as lingering sand and water could create additional hazards.
In addition to the high winds, the region experienced heavy downpours and isolated storms that raised concerns about potential localized flooding. A coastal low moving onshore was projected to bring tidal flooding, especially around high tide on Tuesday evening.
Residents and drivers were encouraged to consult DriveNC.gov for real-time traffic updates and road conditions as the weather continued to evolve in the Outer Banks. The combination of severe winds, ocean overwash, and potential flooding underscores the impact of the recent weather events on travel and safety in the area.
FAQ
What caused the closure of N.C. Highway 12?
The closure was due to high winds and ocean overwash that created hazardous travel conditions.
When did the closure occur?
The closure began around 4 p.m. on Monday and the road reopened before noon on Tuesday.
Was there any impact on ferry services during this event?
Yes, the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry service was temporarily suspended due to the adverse weather conditions.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ocracoke Island, North Carolina |
| Closure Time | 4 p.m. on Monday |
| Reopening Time | Before noon on Tuesday |
| Wind Speed | 65 to 70 miles per hour |
| Bridge Closure | Marc Basnight Bridge closed until 9:30 p.m. on Monday |
| Expected Weather | Heavy downpours, isolated storms, and potential tidal flooding |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tropical Disturbance May Develop into Depression This Week
Impact of Erosion and Climate Change on North Carolina’s Highway 12
Modular Home Blown Off Trailer in Outer Banks Incident
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Brace for Hurricane Erin
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Dare County Tourism Board Approves Boardwalk Construction
Hurricane Erin Causes Devastating Flooding in Outer Banks
New Filly Born to Corolla Wild Horse Herd
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Prepare for Hurricane Erin
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Ocean Overwash Closes NC 12 on Ocracoke
- Wikipedia: Ocracoke Island
- WITN: Highway 12 Closed After Modular Home Blown Off Trailer
- Google Search: NC Highway 12
- WTKR: N.C. 12 Closes Due to Deteriorating Conditions on Ocracoke Island
- Google Scholar: Ocracoke Island Weather
- 13 News Now: Modular Home Blown Off Trailer Crossing Basnight Bridge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocracoke Island
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.
