Outer Banks, North Carolina, October 13, 2025

News Summary

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has closed several sections of Highway 12 due to severe ocean overwash from a coastal storm, disrupting traffic and ferry services. Areas affected include Cedar Island and the route from Marc Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe. NCDOT expects roads to reopen by Monday, and residents are advised to avoid travel. Emergency dune restoration efforts are underway on Hatteras Island as the storm continues to generate dangerous conditions, including high wind gusts and erosion hotspots along the Outer Banks.

Outer Banks, North Carolina – Severe Ocean Overwash Forces Shutdowns of NC Highway 12

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has closed multiple sections of Highway 12 due to severe ocean overwash caused by a coastal storm. The closures are in effect on various parts of the highway, disrupting traffic and ferry services in the region.

Specifically, Highway 12 on Cedar Island is closed between Old Cedar Island Road and Lola Road. Additionally, the Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferry route has suspended service due to adverse weather conditions. Another impacted area includes Highway 12 from the Marc Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe, where ocean overwash has occurred following a dune breach. A prior closure on Ocracoke Island was also prompted by similar overwash on the previous day.

NCDOT has reported that they anticipate all affected roads will reopen by Monday, October 13, at noon. However, drivers are cautioned to avoid travel in these areas to ensure safety. Crews from NCDOT are actively monitoring conditions and conducting necessary repairs throughout the impacted regions.

Additionally, emergency dune restoration work is underway on Hatteras Island, where workers are using dump trucks to rebuild protective dunes. Other closures include NC 12 on Pea Island, which is also closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to ocean overwash.

Storm Intensity and Travel Advisory

The storm generating these hazardous conditions has resulted in wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph along the Outer Banks. NCDOT and Dare County officials have warned that travel conditions remain dangerous owing to flooding and turbulent surf. The midday high tide is anticipated to further exacerbate these perilous conditions.

Residents and visitors in the affected areas are urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly in Rodanthe and south of Buxton, which are known erosion hotspots. Reports have also highlighted wood debris and components from septic systems appearing on local beaches. Monitoring by NCDOT cameras has revealed significant flooding and blowing sand on NC 12.

Erosion Hotspots

A recent alert from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has emphasized the presence of erosion hotspots and dangerous beach conditions. In Buxton, a greenhouse was observed in a precarious position, on the verge of collapsing into the ocean due to escalating weather challenges.

Visitors are advised to steer clear of affected beaches and to stay updated on travel safety and road conditions as efforts continue to address the impact of the coastal storm.

Summary of Current Road Closures and Conditions

• Highway 12 on Cedar Island: Closed between Old Cedar Island Road and Lola Road.
• Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferry: Service suspended.
• Highway 12 from Marc Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe: Closed due to ocean overwash.
• NC 12 on Pea Island: Closed between Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe.
• Estimated Reopening: Monday, October 13, at noon.
• Travel Advisory: Avoid travel in affected areas due to dangerous conditions.
• Ongoing Crews Work: Monitoring and making repairs to affected roads.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Nor’easter Batters Buxton, North Carolina with Flooding
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 Flood Warning Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Ocracoke Island Highway Closure Due to Severe Weather
Severe Erosion Crisis Hits Buxton, North Carolina
Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens
Eighth House Collapses in Buxton Amid Erosion Crisis
Buxton Homeowners Combat Oceanfront Erosion with Sandbags
Coastal Storm Causes Severe Flooding in Virginia Beach

Additional Resources

• WITN: Severe Ocean Overwash Shuts Down Part of Highway 12
• Google Search: Highway 12 overwash
• WTKR: NC 12 Closures and Ferry Suspensions in OBX
• Wikipedia: Outer Banks
• WXII: NC 12 Flooding and Overwash Closures
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
• CBS17: NC 12 Partially Reopens After Noreaster
• 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.