Dare County, North Carolina, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Dare County, North Carolina is grappling with significant disruptions caused by Hurricane Erin, prompting mandatory evacuations for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. Local states of emergency have also been declared. Highway 12 faced temporary closures due to ocean overwash, affecting transport in the area. While some roads have reopened, risks of flooding and dangerous driving conditions remain, leading authorities to urge residents to take safety precautions seriously as wave heights reach alarming levels.
Dare County, N.C. Faces Major Disruptions Due to Hurricane Erin
Dare County, North Carolina, is on high alert as Hurricane Erin causes significant disruptions across the region. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands following the storm’s impact. In addition, local states of emergency have been declared in both Dare County and Hyde County.
Highway 12, a major roadway on the Outer Banks, was temporarily closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to ocean overwash caused by heavy surf before the high tide. Fortunately, this section of the highway reopened at 7 p.m. after being closed earlier in the afternoon. However, the highway on Ocracoke Island had been closed since the weekend, reopening at 5 p.m. on Monday. This highway had experienced closures between the northern Ferry Terminal and the National Park Service Pony Pens.
Moreover, local authorities confirmed that the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route has resumed operations, ensuring some transport connectivity. Despite the closures, Highway 12 on Pea Island remains open, providing access to parts of the county.
As emergency management officials continue to monitor the situation, over 1,000 people evacuated the Outer Banks on Monday. With high tides expected to contribute to further flooding and damage, particularly in Buxton, local authorities are urging residents to take the threat seriously. The conditions on N.C. Highway 12 are progressively worsening, prompting advisories emphasizing the dangers of driving on flooded roadways.
Governor Josh Stein has cautioned residents against taking risks with hazardous driving conditions, especially since waves between 15 and 20 feet are expected. These dangerous ocean conditions are likely to lead to significant storm surge flooding and coastal erosion.
For those choosing to remain on the islands, emergency management officials recommend having sufficient supplies as they prepare for worsening conditions. All Dare County beaches were closed as of Tuesday evening, and restrictions will be strictly enforced against water entry, although surfboard access remains permissible. Double red flags have been raised at Nags Head beaches, indicating life-threatening rip currents that expect to persist throughout the week.
In summary, the Outer Banks region is facing challenging weather conditions as Hurricane Erin continues to affect the area with potential for significant property damage impacting local businesses and residents, including property managers.
Key Highlights
- Mandatory evacuations in place for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.
- Highway 12 closures due to ocean overwash and severe weather conditions.
- Over 1,000 individuals evacuated the Outer Banks on Monday.
- Local states of emergency declared in Dare County and Hyde County.
- Severe saltwater flooding and major coastal erosion anticipated.
FAQs
What caused the road closures in Dare County?
Highway 12 in Dare County closed temporarily between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to ocean overwash. The highway was reopened at 7 p.m. after being closed in the afternoon.
What other road closures were affected by Hurricane Erin?
Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island reopened at 5 p.m. after being closed since the weekend due to ocean overwash. The highway was previously closed between the northern Ferry Terminal and the National Park Service Pony Pens.
What safety measures are being implemented?
Local authorities warned of deteriorating conditions on N.C. Highway 12 due to ongoing weather events. Governor Josh Stein emphasized the dangers of driving on flooded roadways, advising residents to avoid risk.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Highway Closures | Highway 12 temporarily closed between Rodanthe and the Marc Basnight Bridge. |
| Evacuation Orders | Mandatory evacuations in place for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. |
| Flooding Risks | High tides expected to cause additional flooding in Buxton; |
| Coastal Safety | Life-threatening surf and rip currents anticipated; all beaches closed. |
| Local States of Emergency | Declared in Dare County and Hyde County. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Coastal Storm Expected to Impact North Carolina’s Outer Banks
High Wind Warning Issued for Northern Outer Banks, NC
Ocracoke Island Highway Closure Due to Severe Weather
Severe Erosion Crisis Hits Buxton, North Carolina
Coastal Storm Threatens Outer Banks This Weekend
Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens
Buxton Homeowners Combat Oceanfront Erosion with Sandbags
Filming of ‘Outer Banks’ Halted Again by Weather
Hurricane Humberto Intensifies to Category 5 Threatening U.S. East Coast
Additional Resources
- WITN: Highway 12 Again Closed Near Rodanthe
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- CBS17: NC 12 Partially Reopens After Noreaster Strikes NC Coast
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
- WITN: Highway 12 Ocracoke Still Closed – Crews Await High Tide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- WITN: Highway 12 Dare County Deemed Safe for Travel
- Google News: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
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.
