Hatteras Island, North Carolina, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras Island, North Carolina, due to Hurricane Erin will be lifted. Residents can return starting Saturday noon, with visitors allowed Sunday. The island faced significant flooding, damaging homes and businesses, while road N.C. 12 has reopened with caution advised. Ongoing efforts focus on clearing remaining debris, as the area continues to face surf and rip current warnings.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina – Mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras Island, which were enforced since earlier this week due to Hurricane Erin’s impact, will be lifted starting at noon Saturday for residents and property owners. Visitors can begin returning to the island at 5 a.m. on Sunday, following evaluations from Dare County Emergency Management.
The hurricane affected the Outer Banks from Wednesday into Friday, generating large swells, rough surf, and high winds that resulted in significant overwash flooding. Notably, areas such as Buxton, Hatteras Village, and Ocracoke were severely impacted, as ocean water breached protective dunes and flooded homes and businesses.
As a result of the storm, N.C. 12, the primary roadway on Hatteras Island, was closed for three days due to floodwaters and debris. Transportation crews have since worked diligently to clear the road, restoring travel access as of Saturday morning. However, caution is still advised, as areas of sand and water remain on the highway, particularly on the north end of Ocracoke, where the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry docks.
Governor Josh Stein surveyed the damage via helicopter, indicating that while the region faced challenges, much worse could have occurred. He acknowledged significant damage to some businesses and reported property damage among homeowners.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is implementing a staged reentry process for locals returning after the evacuation order. This process involves several priorities:
- Priority 2 – Permanent residents and essential business personnel must provide valid IDs displaying Hatteras Island addresses.
- Priority 3 – Non-resident property owners and employees of non-critical businesses are required to present matching identification with a current real property tax bill or property record.
- Priority 4 – The general public and tourists will have access last.
Continued efforts by NCDOT crews aim to clear remaining sand and water from N.C. 12, given that standing saltwater on roadways can inflict damage on vehicles. Last year, the highway faced multiple closures due to severe winter storms, emphasising the vulnerability of transportation on the island.
Recent estimates suggest that over $70 million has been spent on Highway 12 between the years 2012 and 2022, which excludes billions allocated for beach nourishment projects. Studies indicate that flooding and overwash from storms and high tides are likely to worsen over time, raising concerns regarding transportation and island safety.
In the wake of Hurricane Erin, a North Carolina man was reported to have been knocked off his feet by powerful waves while filming the storm’s impact, highlighting the extreme conditions. Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued life-threatening surf and rip current warnings, cautioning that these dangers will continue even after the storm has passed.
As updates continue, minor flooding has been reported in Ocracoke Village, with N.C. 12 still facing issues from sand and water. Local officials strongly advise against travel until conditions improve.
FAQs
When will the evacuation orders for Hatteras Island be lifted?
Mandatory evacuation orders will be lifted starting at noon Saturday for residents and property owners, with visitors permitted to return beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday.
What areas were mainly affected by Hurricane Erin?
Areas including Buxton, Hatteras Village, and Ocracoke experienced severe overwash flooding after the storm.
Is N.C. 12 fully accessible now?
N.C. 12 has been cleared for travel as of Saturday morning; however, caution is still advised as some areas may contain sand and water.
What precautions should travelers take?
Travelers should exercise caution on the roads as standing saltwater can cause damage to vehicles and may create hazardous driving conditions.
Key Features of Hatteras Island Evacuation Update
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Evacuation Order Lifted | Noon Saturday for residents, 5 a.m. Sunday for visitors |
| Road Accessibility | N.C. 12 reopened but with caution; flooding reported |
| Damages Reported | Significant business and property damage on the island |
| Reentry Priorities | Staged process for residents, property owners, and tourists |
| Weather Warnings | Continued risks of rip currents and surf |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks with Evacuations
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Damage in Rodanthe
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin
Precautionary Swimming Advisory Issued for Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island Safe for Travel After Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Coastal Flooding Along East Coast
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations in Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 Closed Due to Hurricane Erin Impact
Beach Homes in Rodanthe Threatened by Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Triggers State of Emergency and Evacuations
Additional Resources
- WRAL: NC Highway 12 Reopens Hatteras post Hurricane Erin
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Fox Weather: North Carolina Man Knocked Down by Hurricane Erin Wave
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
- WAVY: NC 12 and Historic Sites in Outer Banks Closed Due to Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- WITN: 81 Structures Damaged on Hatteras Island 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.
