Hatteras Island, N.C., August 24, 2025
News Summary
N.C. Highway 12 reopened for travel after mandatory evacuations due to Hurricane Erin. The reopening follows a staged reentry process prioritizing residents and essential personnel. As recovery efforts begin, ongoing road cleanup is expected, and beach access remains restricted due to hazardous conditions. Additional heavy rain is forecast, raising the risk of flooding in the area, while authorities continue to monitor local developments.
Hatteras Island, N.C. — N.C. Highway 12 reopens for travel at noon on Saturday, August 23, following mandatory evacuations due to Hurricane Erin. The reopening follows a staged reentry process initiated by Dare County to ensure that residents and property owners have priority in returning to assess any damage. This process marks the beginning of recovery efforts on Hatteras Island, a popular tourist destination in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
The staged reentry plan prioritizes the return of permanent residents and essential personnel first, followed by nonresident property owners and their employees, and finally, the general public. Those returning can expect to encounter ongoing road cleanup efforts, as NCDOT crews work to clear sand and water from the highway. Drivers are advised to remain cautious, as there may still be standing saltwater on the road which could potentially damage vehicles.
Dare County has issued a reminder that additional heavy rain is predicted in the area on Sunday, August 24, heightening the risk of flooding. Coastal areas continue to be vulnerable after the storm, with beach access restricted due to dangerous conditions. Authorities have posted double red flags on all Dare County beaches, indicating life-threatening rip currents and hazardous surf. Swimming in the ocean is currently prohibited and violators may face penalties classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, exceptions have been made for surfing with specific criteria.
The reentry process began with two tiers: at noon on August 23, permanent residents and essential personnel were allowed to return, while nonresident property owners and employees will be allowed back starting at 5 a.m. on August 24. The general public and visitors will follow in the final wave of reentry. In particular, visitors planning to go to Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras are encouraged to confirm reservations prior to traveling, as conditions may vary.
Despite the reopening, Hurricane Erin caused significant disruption earlier in the week, with its closest approach to the U.S. positioned 200 miles from the Outer Banks on Wednesday night. The storm had been classified as a Category 1 hurricane, moving northeast away from the East Coast, with wind speeds measuring between 40 to 50 mph. Tropical storm warnings for the U.S. have since been lifted, though Bermuda remains under advisory.
In the wake of the storm, North Carolina experienced over 70 rescues from rip currents, highlighting the dangers presented by Hurricane Erin. Evacuations were mandated in parts of the Outer Banks, impacting both Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, where more than 2,200 people and 1,100 vehicles utilized the North Carolina ferry system to evacuate.
The North Carolina state government is on high alert for any potential further developments, as meteorologists are watching a possible tropical depression that may form in the Caribbean this coming weekend. While Hurricane Erin has passed, local agencies remain vigilant as more severe weather could impede recovery efforts.
Reentry Prioritization
- August 23 at 12 p.m.: Permanent residents & essential personnel (Priority 2)
- August 24 at 5 a.m.: Nonresident property owners & nonresident employees (Priority 3)
- General public & visitors (Priority 4)
Safety Measures
- Double red flags posted signaling hazardous surf and rip currents.
- Swimming in the ocean is prohibited; exceptions for specific surfing activities.
Emergency Response Overview
- Highway reopening is part of recovery efforts after Hurricane Erin.
- Staged reentry is designed to prioritize safety and management of resources.
- Continued monitoring of local conditions is necessary as rains approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did N.C. Highway 12 reopen?
N.C. Highway 12 reopened for travel at noon on August 23, 2023.
Who is prioritized in the reentry process?
Permanent residents and essential personnel are the first to be allowed back, followed by nonresident property owners and employees, and finally the general public.
What safety precautions are in place at the beaches?
Double red flags indicate dangerous surf conditions, and swimming is prohibited until further notice.
Are there any weather alerts following Hurricane Erin?
Yes, additional heavy rain is expected, and residents should remain vigilant for flooding.
What other areas were affected by Hurricane Erin?
North Carolina’s Outer Banks, particularly Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, experienced significant impacts and mandatory evacuations were performed.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Reopening of N.C. Highway 12 |
| Date of Reopening | August 23, 2023 |
| Staged Reentry Process | Prioritizes residents and essential personnel first |
| Beach Conditions | Double red flags; swimming prohibited |
| Weather Alerts | Additional heavy rain expected |
| Evacuations | Ordered in parts of Outer Banks including Hatteras |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island Safe for Travel After Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Coastal Flooding Along East Coast
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations in Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 Closed Due to Hurricane Erin Impact
Dare County Declares Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Cleanup Efforts Underway in Coastal North Carolina After Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Erin Causes Panic in Dare County
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Under Mandatory Evacuations as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Rodanthe, N.C.: Homes in Danger Due to Hurricane Ernesto
Disruptions Hit Hatteras Island Due to Cut Fiber Optic Cable
Additional Resources
- WRAL News
- CBS News
- CNN
- The Weather Channel
- Axios
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin 2025
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Google News: Hurricane Erin August 2025
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.
