N.C. Highway 12 Closed Due to Hurricane Erin Impact

Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, August 22, 2025

News Summary

N.C. Highway 12 has been closed south of Oregon Inlet due to severe overwash from Hurricane Erin, affecting travel to Buxton, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. The storm, located 370 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, has created hazardous conditions with significant flooding, strong winds, and ongoing risks from rip currents. While the highway remains open north of the inlet, ferry services have been suspended. Emergency responses are underway as authorities assess damage and prepare for recovery efforts.

Oregon Inlet, North Carolina – N.C. Highway 12 remains closed south of Oregon Inlet due to hazardous conditions caused by Hurricane Erin, which has led to significant overwash of sand and seawater in key areas. The highway closure affects travel to critical locations including Buxton, Hatteras, and Ocracoke, where the most severe flooding occurred between the ferry terminal and pony pens.

As of 5 p.m., the center of Hurricane Erin was approximately 370 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, moving northeast at 20 mph. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is actively working to clear N.C. Highway 12, although the situation is complicated by high tides expected at 7 p.m. and again at 7 a.m. the following morning. Preliminary assessments have found no indication of damage to the pavement, which could expedite the reopening process.

While N.C. Highway 12 is closed south of Oregon Inlet, it remains open north of the inlet with only minor blown sand reported. The ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke has been suspended since late Wednesday afternoon due to the dangerous weather conditions.

Hurricane Erin has been generating severe surf conditions across over 1,000 miles of the East Coast, bringing strong winds between 40 and 60 mph and creating wave heights of 10-20 feet. Flooding has become a major concern as conditions have deteriorated, causing significant damage to properties and overwhelming roads. Authorities have reported at least 70 rescues related to strong rip currents in North Carolina during the storm.

A state of emergency remains in effect for areas affected by Hurricane Erin, particularly the Outer Banks. The Dare County Manager has expressed concerns over the high volume of water on roads and the potential for dune breaches at Hatteras Village. Floodwaters have contributed to substantial disruption in the community.

Governor Josh Stein is scheduled to visit Dare County on Friday to assess the damage and thank emergency responders for their efforts. A four-stage reentry process has been announced, requiring a reentry permit for individuals looking to return to Hatteras Island. An emergency hotline has also been established by North Carolina Emergency Management to assist residents seeking cleanup support.

The risks associated with high rip currents are expected to persist through the weekend, even after Hurricane Erin begins to move away from the coast. Residents and visitors are urged to stay updated and remain safe as recovery efforts continue.

Key Impacts of Hurricane Erin:

• Closure of N.C. Highway 12 south of Oregon Inlet.
• Severe overwash and flooding reported in Buxton, Hatteras, and Ocracoke.
• Suspension of ferry services between Hatteras and Ocracoke.
• Potential for rapid reopening of N.C. Highway 12 if pavement remains undamaged.
• Emergency hotline activated for cleanup assistance.
• High rip current risks expected to endure through the weekend.

FAQs

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beach Homes in Rodanthe Threatened by Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Triggers State of Emergency and Evacuations
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Delivers Heavy Swells and Strong Winds to U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Erin Affects Ocracoke Village and East Coast
Evacuations and Flood Warnings as Hurricane Erin Hits New Jersey
New Jersey and New York Prepare for Hurricane Erin’s Impact
Dare County Declares Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Hurricane Erin Batters North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina Coast with Dangerous Conditions

Additional Resources

• WXII 12 News
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• WRAL News
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
• New York Times
• Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin impact
• ABC11 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
• WAVY News
• 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.