Hatteras, North Carolina, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Various portions of NC 12 are closed in the Outer Banks following significant ocean overwash from a coastal storm. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is working on emergency dune restoration, with all affected areas expected to reopen by midday on October 13. Travelers are advised to avoid closed sections due to impassable conditions caused by high surf and sand. The Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferry is also suspended due to rough weather.
Hatteras, North Carolina – Sections of NC 12 Closed Due to Ocean Overwash
Portions of NC 12 remain closed across multiple locations in the Outer Banks as a result of ocean overwash caused by a strong coastal storm. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) anticipates that all affected sections will reopen by Monday, October 13, at noon.
The highway is currently closed on both Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island while crews conduct emergency dune restoration work. To rebuild a protective dune on Hatteras Island, NCDOT crews are actively monitoring conditions and have utilized dump trucks from a nearby sand stockpile.
Travelers are urged not to attempt to drive through closed sections, as high surf and sand have rendered the highway impassable. Specifically, NC 12 on Pea Island is closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to a dune breach, which left the highway covered in ocean overwash. Additionally, NC 12 on Cedar Island is closed between Old Cedar Island Road and Lola Road for the same reason.
The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry route remains suspended due to rough weather conditions. NCDOT continues to advise drivers to steer clear of the affected areas and to monitor updates, as tides and conditions may change overnight.
The area has experienced flooding attributed to a powerful coastal low, which has brought tropical storm-force wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph to the beaches. There have been reports of wooden building debris and septic system components washing up on area beaches, notably around Rodanthe and south of Buxton. Residents and visitors are being asked to exercise extreme caution on the beaches during this time.
Current Road Closures in the Area
– NC 12 on Hatteras Island: Closed due to ocean overwash and dune restoration.
– NC 12 on Ocracoke Island: Closed due to ocean overwash and dune restoration.
– NC 12 on Pea Island: Closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to a dune breach.
– NC 12 on Cedar Island: Closed between Old Cedar Island Road and Lola Road due to ocean overwash.
– Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry route: Suspended due to rough weather conditions.
NCDOT is closely monitoring the situation and is working diligently to restore access to all closed routes as safely and quickly as possible while considering the well-being of travelers.
FAQ
What caused the closures of NC 12 in the Outer Banks?
Portions of NC 12 remain closed across multiple Outer Banks locations due to ocean overwash from a strong coastal storm.
When is the expected reopening of the affected sections?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) expects all affected sections to reopen by Monday, Oct. 13, at noon.
Which specific areas are closed on NC 12?
NC 12 is closed on both Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands as crews perform emergency dune restoration work.
Is there a ferry route affected due to the storm?
The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry route remains suspended because of rough weather conditions.
What precautions should travelers take?
NCDOT urged travelers not to attempt to drive through closed sections due to high surf and sand making the highway impassable.
What kind of weather conditions are causing these issues?
Flooding in the area is attributed to a powerful coastal low bringing tropical storm-force wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph to the beaches.
What debris has been reported on the beaches?
Wooden building debris and septic system components have been reported on area beaches, particularly in Rodanthe and south of Buxton.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
High Surf Advisory and Evacuations in Outer Banks Due to Hurricane Erin
Coastal Flood Warning Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Ocracoke Island Highway Closure Due to Severe Weather
Severe Erosion Crisis Hits Buxton, North Carolina
Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens
Nags Head Homes Devoured by Atlantic Waves
Beach Houses Collapsing Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Disaster Strikes as Oceanfront Homes Collapse on Outer Banks
Buxton Neighborhood Disappears into the Atlantic Ocean
Additional Resources
- WTKR: NC 12 Closures & Ferry Suspensions in OBX
- Wikipedia: North Carolina Highway 12
- WITN: Severe Overwash NC 12 Shuts Down Part of Highway
- Google Search: NC 12 Outer Banks
- CBS17: NC Coast Impact Expected with Tidal Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocean Overwash
- WAVY: NC 12 on the Outer Banks Open to Traffic
- Google News: NC 12 Closures
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.
