North Carolina, August 27, 2025
News Summary
N.C. 12, the key route along the North Carolina coast, has reopened after closures caused by Hurricane Erin. The storm brought hazardous conditions and significant damage to several areas including Rodanthe and Buxton. Residents were allowed to return as evacuation orders were lifted, while recovery efforts continue for affected infrastructure and services.
North Carolina
N.C. 12, a major route along the North Carolina coastline, has reopened following damage from Hurricane Erin, which struck the region from August 20 to August 22, 2025. The reopening comes after extensive assessments and repair efforts, marking a relief for residents and travelers alike.
Hurricane Erin left its mark as it approached within 200 miles of Cape Hatteras on Thursday morning. Tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 39 mph created hazardous conditions along the Atlantic Seaboard, including dangerous rip currents and high waves. The storm’s wrath necessitated the closure of sections of N.C. 12 and several ferry routes, including those connecting Hatteras and Ocracoke. The most severely impacted areas included Rodanthe, Ocracoke, Hatteras, the north end of Buxton, and Pea Island.
Closure of the highway was primarily due to overwash and sand accumulation, with two critical sections shut down: one between the Northern Ferry Terminal and National Park Service Pony Pens on Ocracoke Island, and the other from the Marc Basnight Bridge to Hatteras Village. As cleanup efforts progressed, officials managed to reopen the Hatteras Island section first, with Ocracoke reopening on August 25, 2025.
Despite the reopening, the aftermath of Hurricane Erin revealed significant damage assessments. Initial reports indicated that Rodanthe suffered impacts on 19 residential and two commercial structures, while Buxton experienced damage on 56 residential and four commercial properties. Infrastructure damage was widespread, including issues with driveways, septic systems, and debris accumulation.
Mandatory Evacuations and Recovery Efforts
In the wake of the storm, mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras Island were lifted in a staged process starting on August 23, allowing residents and workers to return first, followed by visitors the next day. Dare County‘s offices on Hatteras Island resumed normal operations on August 25, 2025, and the county’s Public Works department restored its regular trash collection schedule, aiding in the recovery efforts.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has initiated assessments of the former Buxton Naval Facility, where deterioration and contamination issues resulted from wave action during the storm. Meanwhile, facilities at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, including the Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Campground, have reopened to the public, although some areas remain closed due to safety concerns stemming from the storm’s impact.
Travel and Public Safety Updates
While all sections of N.C. 12 in Dare County have been deemed safe for travel, advisory notices encourage motorists to exercise caution due to ongoing cleanup operations. Ferry services between Hatteras and Ocracoke have resumed, albeit under amended schedules, with regular operations expected to come back soon.
Residents in Dare County received alerts about water service advisories, including a boil water advisory, which was issued after a water main break was discovered during repair efforts south of N.C. 12 in Buxton. Efforts are ongoing to restore water services throughout affected areas, ensuring that all essential services are returned to normal operations as the recovery from Hurricane Erin continues.
Additional Context
N.C. 12, known for connecting the Outer Banks’ peninsulas and islands, is particularly vulnerable to storms, floods, and erosion. Its effective operation is crucial for both residents and tourism, making timely reopening following hurricane impact a priority for local authorities. Natural disasters such as Hurricane Erin underscore the importance of disaster preparedness and ongoing infrastructure evaluations.
FAQs
When did Hurricane Erin impact North Carolina?
Hurricane Erin impacted the North Carolina coastline from August 20 to August 22, 2025.
Is N.C. 12 now open for travel?
Yes, all sections of N.C. 12 in Dare County have been deemed safe for travel and have reopened following cleanup efforts.
What were the major damage areas from Hurricane Erin?
The major damage areas included Rodanthe and Buxton, with numerous residential and commercial structures impacted along with significant issues with public infrastructure.
What safety measures remain in place post-Hurricane Erin?
Certain areas of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore remain closed due to safety concerns, and water service advisories, including boil water advisories, have been issued in some regions.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Erin | Impacted North Carolina from August 20 to August 22, 2025 |
| N.C. 12 | All sections reopened and safe for travel |
| Evacuation Orders | Lifted starting August 23, with phased return for residents and visitors |
| Damage Assessment | Significant impacts to residential and commercial structures in Rodanthe and Buxton |
| Ongoing Recovery | Infrastructure repairs and water service restoration efforts are in progress |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hatteras Island, North Carolina Faces Hurricane Erin’s Aftermath Ahead of Labor Day Weekend
Hurricane Erin Causes Significant Damage in Outer Banks
Severe Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes and Infrastructure in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Leaves Significant Impact on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens After Hurricane Erin Cleanup
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Hatteras Island Evacuation Orders Lifted After Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks with Evacuations
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island Safe for Travel After Hurricane Erin
Additional Resources
- WRAL
- WCTI12
- ABC11
- CBS17
- The Coastland Times
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- 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.
