Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens

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News Summary

Hatteras Island is slowly recovering as the North Carolina Department of Transportation reopens N.C. 12 for residents and workers. The highway, which had been shut down due to hurricane-related overwash, will fully reopen for all travelers this Sunday. Local authorities have put in place a staged reentry process for residents impacted by the mandatory evacuation orders, emphasizing caution as crews continue to clear and assess the roads. With past storms raising concerns, the safety of travelers remains a priority. Residents are urged to stay alert due to ongoing road issues in the area.

Residents Welcome Back to Hatteras Island as N.C. 12 Reopens

Hatteras Island, known for its stunning beaches and salty air, is getting back on its feet as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that N.C. 12 will reopen for residents and workers beginning at noon on Saturday. For those eager to return, the highway will be fully accessible to all travelers starting at 5 a.m. Sunday!

Hurricane Recovery Efforts Underway

Just a few days ago, things looked different. N.C. 12 was shut down Wednesday evening due to considerable overwash from Hurricane Erin, leaving many residents anxious about the state of their homes and properties. Thankfully, NCDOT crews sprang into action, working to clear sand and water from the highway to restore access.

Although the northern end of Ocracoke Island remains closed between the South Dock Ferry Terminal and the National Park Service Pony pens, relief is on the way. Crews are actively working in that area, removing sand and water to ensure it’s safe for travel. It’s heartening to report that there have been no long-term damages reported for N.C. 12, which is a critical artery for the Outer Banks.

A Staged Reentry for Locals

With mandatory evacuation orders in place during the hurricane, Dare County officials have established a staged reentry process to prioritize access for locals. This process is divided into four priority stages:

Priority 2: Permanent residents and essential personnel for businesses, who must possess a valid reentry permit or a North Carolina license/ID showing a Hatteras Island address.
Priority 3: Non-resident property owners and employees of non-critical businesses, who require a current real property tax bill or property record matching their ID.
Priority 4: General public and tourists will be allowed in after the earlier groups have been accounted for.

Caution is Key

As the roads open back up, it’s crucial for drivers to remain cautious. The NCDOT is diligently working to prevent vehicle damage from standing saltwater on the roads, and officials are urging everyone to give space to NCDOT workers on the road. Safety first, right?

A History of Weather Challenges

For those who have been keeping track, last year was quite the ride, with multiple shutdowns of N.C. 12 due to winter storms. The importance of Highway 12 cannot be understated—it serves not only as a lifeline for local residents but also as a pathway for tourists looking to enjoy the beauty of the Outer Banks. The state has invested heavily in maintaining and protecting this highway. From 2012 to 2022, at least $70 million was spent on N.C. 12, not including additional funds allocated for beach nourishment projects to combat erosion.

Future Weather Concerns

Looking ahead, experts warn that with climate change playing an ever-growing role, incidents of overwashes and flooding may become more frequent. This could spell trouble for transportation infrastructure in the future.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood watch for Ocracoke Island, effective Saturday at 5 p.m. until Monday at 8 a.m., predicting potential inundation of 2 to 4 feet in low-lying areas. Residents in these flood-prone regions are urged to move to higher ground and heed any necessary evacuation orders. The last thing anyone wants is to find themselves stuck in rising waters!

A Call for Caution While Traveling

With roads reopening, it’s critical to stay alert. Many road closures and potential flooding of vehicles are still possible along N.C. 12 because of ongoing ocean overwash. The National Weather Service continues to warn against driving through water of unknown depth and stresses the risks of hydroplaning during heavy rain.

As Hatteras Island gears up for the return of residents and tourists alike, it’s a reminder of both the challenges and resilience that come with coastal living. Here’s to smooth travels and sunny days ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mobile Home Incident Causes Closure on Marc Basnight Bridge
Ocracoke Island Road Closure Due to Severe Weather
Oceanfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean
Impact of Erosion and Climate Change on North Carolina’s Highway 12
Ocracoke, North Carolina Faces Aftermath of Hurricane Erin
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens After Hurricane Erin Flooding
Hurricane Erin Threatens Homes in Rodanthe, NC
Record Visitor Spending Boosts North Carolina Tourism
Hurricane Erin Causes Major Coastal Disruptions
North Carolina Tourism Resilient Amid Hurricane Challenges

Additional Resources

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.