N.C. Highway 12 remains closed on Northern Ocracoke on Sunday Morning
On Sunday morning, Northern Ocracoke Island saw the continued closure of N.C. Highway 12. Due to strong winds and ocean overwash, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) clarified that the highway will not reopen on Sunday. They are actively working to reopen the highway on Monday.
Overwash and Suspension of Ferry Services
The closure extends from the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry terminal to the NPS Pony Pens. This is primarily due to ocean overwash brought on by inclement weather. With the highway closed, ferry services, including Hatteras-Ocracoke, Ocracoke-Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke-Cedar operations, were also suspended on Sunday morning.
N.C. Highway 12 Condition on Hatteras Island
While Northern Ocracoke grapples with highway closures, Hatteras Island painted a different picture on Sunday. Some sand and standing water were present on parts of the highway, particularly on Pea Island, north of Hatteras Village, and in northern Buxton. Despite minor ocean overwash during the high tide at around 7:45 a.m., the highway remained open and passable. To ensure efficient traffic, NCDOT crews were called in to clear the road as necessary.
Impacts from the Weekend’s Low Pressure System
The low pressure system from the weekend is expected to persist on Sunday, causing large, long-period swells into the middle of the week. Primarily the beaches north of Cape Hatteras in Buxton will experience persistent high surf conditions. All Outer Banks beaches may witness breaking waves of 10-15 feet in the surf zone. Ocean overwash that affects N.C. Highway 12 is most likely during high tide which is at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Further Impact Predictions and Advisories
Forecasters predict possible oceanside flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level through early Tuesday, while minor to moderate sound side flooding is also possible on southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. Strong northerly winds, with peak wind gusts of up to 50 mph, are also expected to continue on Sunday. Several warnings are in effect for the Outer Banks, including a Coastal Flood Warning, Gale Warning, Wind Advisory, and High Surf Advisory.
Stay Informed
For weather information updates, refer to the National Weather Service’s local forecasts, and for updates regarding ferry delays or cancellations, subscribe to the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system alerts. The NCDOT and NCDOT NC 12 regularly share updates on road conditions, along with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Getting notified directly from the terminal of any changes to the schedule can be crucial in planning your travels during such weather conditions.
Residents can look forward to more updates from the North Carolina Department of Transportation as they work on restoring the situation.
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.
