Hatteras Island, NC, August 24, 2025
News Summary
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island has been reopened for travel after officials deemed it safe following Hurricane Erin. Evacuation orders are being lifted in phases, allowing residents to return home before tourists. As cleanup continues and precautions are urged due to remaining sand and water, the North Carolina Department of Transportation emphasizes the importance of Highway 12 for local communities and tourism. Ongoing assessments and maintenance funding highlight the roadway’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island Safe for Travel as Evacuation Orders Lifted Following Hurricane Erin
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island has been declared safe for travel by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as of Saturday, following a thorough assessment of the roadway conditions after Hurricane Erin. Mandatory evacuation orders that were issued to protect residents and visitors are now being lifted in a phased reentry process.
Phased Reentry Process
Dare County officials have announced that the reentry for residents will occur in stages. This will enable permanent residents to return to their homes and businesses before tourists are allowed back on the island. The staged reentry includes:
- Priority 2: Permanent residents and essential business personnel must present a valid Priority 2 reentry permit or an N.C. license with a Hatteras Island address.
- Priority 3: Non-resident property owners and employees of non-critical businesses must show a current real property tax bill or property record with matching ID.
- Priority 4: The general public and tourists will be permitted to return afterward.
Current Road Conditions
Despite the reopening, the NCDOT continues to work to clear remaining sand and water from NC-12, as standing saltwater could damage vehicles. Drivers are urged to proceed with caution and provide space for NCDOT workers engaged in the clearing process.
Highway 12 was closed after Hurricane Erin’s impact, although some specific areas on Ocracoke Island remain shut. Previous years saw NC Highway 12 facing multiple closures due to severe winter storms, which raises concerns regarding the state of the roadway as extreme weather events increase.
Funding and Maintenance of Highway 12
Over the past decade, more than $70 million has been allocated for the maintenance and rebuilding of Highway 12, not including the additional expenses incurred for beach nourishment, which helps counteract erosion that affects the highway.
A recent study predicts an increase in flooding and overwash events that could further affect transportation and the elevation of Hatteras Island. Governor Josh Stein has underscored the highway’s critical importance for local communities and tourism revenue.
Past measures implemented to protect Highway 12, such as building dunes and placing sandbags, are being reassessed, as these could potentially exacerbate its vulnerability instead of providing long-term protection.
Weather and Safety Alerts
Recent assessments of NC-12 indicated no significant pavement damage, which contributes to the quicker reopening of the highway if stabilizing conditions persist. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warnings for the coastal region, predicting peak coastal flooding coinciding with the evening high tide.
Evacuation orders will be lifted in phases, with complete access for all residents starting at noon and for tourists beginning at 5 a.m. on Sunday. The NC Ferry Division has canceled all reservations for the Swan Quarter ferry on Friday due to the storm’s impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the evacuation orders on Hatteras Island?
Evacuation orders were issued due to Hurricane Erin, which posed a threat to residents and visitors in the area.
When will tourists be allowed to return to Hatteras Island?
Tourists will be permitted to return starting at 5 a.m. on Sunday, following the phased reentry of local residents.
Is N.C. Highway 12 safe for travel now?
Yes, N.C. Highway 12 has been deemed safe for travel, though drivers should proceed with caution as cleanup efforts continue.
What should I expect when returning to Hatteras Island?
Residents should be prepared for ongoing cleanup efforts, including sand and water removal from roadways, and should provide space for NCDOT workers.
Key Features of the Reopening and Highway Conditions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Safety of N.C. Highway 12 | Declared safe for travel as of Saturday after Hurricane Erin |
| Reentry Process | Phased reentry for residents, workers, and tourists |
| Evacuation Orders | Lifting phases for residents and tourists |
| Ongoing Cleanup | Sand and water removal in progress – caution advised |
| Funding for Maintenance | Over $70 million allocated from 2012-2022 |
| Tropical Storm Warnings | Active for coastal regions; peak flooding expected |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Local Man Injured in Traffic Accident in Currituck County
Additional Resources
- WRAL: N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Hatteras Post Hurricane Erin
- WITN: Highway 12 Still Closed Hatteras Island
- Ocracoke Observer: NCDOT Crews Work to Reopen NC-12
- WFMY News 2: NC-12 Reopens on Hatteras Island
- WITN: Portions of Highway 12 Stay Closed
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Google Search: Hatteras Island evacuation
- Google Scholar: N.C. Highway 12 Hatteras
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hatteras Island
- Google News: N.C. Highway 12
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.
