Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Ocracoke Island in North Carolina is experiencing significant weather disruptions, including the closure of a section of Highway 12 due to heavy ocean overwash. All ferry services to the island have been suspended, with predictions of worsening weather over the weekend, including high winds and coastal flooding warnings. An assessment of the highway is planned for Tuesday morning to determine when it may reopen. Travelers are advised to stay updated through official channels.
Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Worsening weather conditions resulted in a closure of a part of North Carolina Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island. The affected section stretches from the ferry terminal to the National Park Service pony pens and was closed due to heavy ocean overwash. As a consequence of severe weather, all three Outer Banks ferry services—including Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cedar Island-Ocracoke, and Swan Quarter-Ocracoke—have been suspended.
The suspension of ferry services is expected to last at least through Saturday and possibly longer, as conditions are predicted to worsen over the weekend. High wind speeds, heavy rain, and heightened tides are forecasted, with wind gusts potentially reaching speeds of 50-60 miles per hour. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory for Dare County and a coastal flood warning for Hatteras Island lasting until Monday morning.
As of now, it remains unclear when Highway 12 will reopen. Motorists are encouraged to check DriveNC.gov for updates on road conditions. Reports indicate minor flooding in Ocracoke; however, access to the island will not resume until a mandatory evacuation is lifted. The road remains impassable due to sand and water accumulation from Hurricane Erin.
A county spokesman stated that an assessment of the highway’s condition is planned for Tuesday morning. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is also set to evaluate road conditions at that time for a potential reopening.
Furthermore, the adverse weather has triggered significant disruptions, including a modular home dislodged from its trailer on the Marc Basnight Bridge due to high winds, resulting in temporary closures while crews worked to clear debris. Areas on Hatteras Island are reporting standing water and sand accumulation, particularly during high tide cycles. Travelers in the Buxton area have been advised to slow down due to hazardous conditions caused by saltwater exposure.
A wind advisory is currently in effect until the evening of September 16, with sustained winds exceeding 20 mph.
Current Conditions Summary
- Highway 12 closed from ferry terminal to pony pens
- All Outer Banks ferry services suspended
- High wind speeds forecasted (50-60 mph)
- Coastal flood advisory and warning issued
- Assessment of roadway and conditions scheduled for Tuesday morning
FAQ
Q: What section of North Carolina Highway 12 is closed?
A: The affected section is from the ferry terminal to the National Park Service pony pens due to heavy ocean overwash.
Q: Which ferry services are suspended?
A: All three Outer Banks ferry services, including Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cedar Island-Ocracoke, and Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, have been suspended.
Q: How long is the suspension of ferry services expected to last?
A: The suspension is expected to last at least through Saturday and likely longer.
Q: What is the forecasted weather for the weekend?
A: High wind speeds of 50-60 miles per hour, heavy rain, and heightened tides are predicted to intensify over the weekend.
Q: What should motorists do for updates on road conditions?
A: Motorists are encouraged to check DriveNC.gov for updates on road conditions.
Q: Is there currently any flooding on Ocracoke Island?
A: There are reports of minor flooding in Ocracoke, but access to the island would not resume until a mandatory evacuation is lifted.
Q: When will Highway 12 be assessed for reopening?
A: An assessment of the highway’s condition is planned for Tuesday morning.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ocracoke Island, North Carolina |
| Highway Closure | From ferry terminal to National Park Service pony pens |
| Ferry Service Status | Suspended for all services |
| Weather Conditions | Wind speeds 50-60 mph, rain, and high tides |
| Flood Advisory | Coastal flood advisory in Dare County and warning in Hatteras Island |
| Assessment Date | Tuesday morning for Highway 12 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Erosion Crisis Hits Buxton, North Carolina
Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Weakens: Recovery Begins in North Carolina
Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens
Nine Homes Collapsed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks Due to Hurricanes
Coastal Erosion Destroys Homes in Buxton, North Carolina
Eighth Home Collapses into Ocean in Buxton, NC
Eighth House Collapses in Buxton Amid Erosion Crisis
Coastal Storm Causes Severe Flooding in Virginia Beach
Ferry Schedule Modified for Outer Banks Filming
Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: NC12 Ferries Closed
- Wikipedia: Ocracoke Island
- 13 News Now: Hurricane Erin NC-12 Ferry Evacuate Ocracoke Island
- Google Search: North Carolina Hurricane Erin
- ABC11: High Tides Raise Flood Risk Carolinas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Spectrum Local News: NC-12 Reopens Ocracoke
- Google News: NC 12 Reopens Ocracoke
- Ocracoke Observer: Hatteras Ferry Service Suspended
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.
