Highway 12 Reopens on Hatteras Island After Repairs

Hatteras Island, North Carolina, October 15, 2025

News Summary

North Carolina Highway 12 has reopened on Hatteras Island following improvements made after a devastating nor’easter. Meanwhile, the highway remains closed on Ocracoke Island as repairs continue. The NCDOT has deployed resources to rebuild protective dunes, and travelers are advised to check road conditions before heading to the area. Safety measures, including double red flags, have been enacted at the beaches, prohibiting swimming. Emergency alerts were issued, and local assistance has been established for households affected by storm damage.

Hatteras Island, North Carolina – North Carolina Highway 12 has reopened on Hatteras Island as of 5 p.m. Monday, following improvements made after a recent devastating nor’easter. Meanwhile, Highway 12 remains closed on Ocracoke Island as crews conduct repairs to damage caused by the storm. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has deployed dump trucks to rebuild dunes that protect the roadway from potential storm surge and tidal flooding.

Repair work to the roads and dunes continued throughout Monday, with travelers advised to check current road conditions before heading to the area. Updates on road conditions are available at DriveNC.gov. The closures on Highway 12 began on Saturday due to heavy winds and tidal flooding that rendered various sections of the roadway impassable, stranding residents and disrupting travel throughout the Outer Banks.

Double red flags have been posted across the Outer Banks, prohibiting swimming for both visitors and residents, although some beachgoers, including fishermen at Jennette’s Pier, still ventured out. Local fishermen noted that while high winds and rough surf can complicate fishing, changing currents often bring in new fish. For vacationers not fishing, observing the changing waves has also become a popular activity.

A visitor to Jennette’s Pier described the waves as “beautiful,” acknowledging the risks associated with ocean weather conditions. Residents of the islands often plan their trips based on road conditions, considering the ongoing risks of flooding and sand on the roadways.

An emergency alert was issued on Saturday morning when Highway 12 was closed at Rodanthe due to the storm’s impacts. Since mid-September, erosion from past hurricanes has led to nine homes in Buxton falling into the ocean. During the nor’easter, waves reached heights of up to 15 feet, coinciding with high tide and threatening coastal structures. Although initial reports from DOT crews examining the highway suggest no significant damage to the pavement, extensive work is still required to ensure safety and accessibility.

NCDOT has not yet indicated when Highway 12 on Ocracoke will reopen, as efforts to clear water and sand from the roadway continue. Conditions on the islands worsened late Wednesday into Thursday, resulting in additional flooding and damage to local businesses and properties. In response to these challenges, a hotline for cleanup assistance has been established for households in need of repairs.

Governor Josh Stein is expected to survey the damage and express gratitude to first responders for their efforts in the affected areas.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Powerful Nor’easter Causes Destruction in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Coastal Erosion Leads to Home Collapses in Buxton, N.C.
Nor’easter Causes Road Closures and Coastal Damage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens in Hatteras; Ocracoke Island Highway Still Closed
Severe Ocean Overwash Forces Shutdowns of NC Highway 12
Sections of NC 12 Closed Due to Ocean Overwash in Outer Banks
High Surf Advisory and Evacuations in Outer Banks Due to Hurricane Erin
Coastal Storm Expected to Impact North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Ocracoke Island Highway Closure Due to Severe Weather
Severe Erosion Crisis Hits Buxton, North Carolina

Additional Resources

• 13 News Now
• News Observer
• WXII 12
• WRAL
• ABC 11
• Wikipedia: North Carolina
• Google Search: NC 12
• Google Scholar: NC Highway 12
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
• 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.