This story has been updated to report of resumption of the Pamlico Sound ferry service.
From our news services
RALEIGH – N.C. 12 remains closed (Nov. 8) between Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe, as a coastal storm continues to make travel unsafe on the highway’s section in the northern part of the Outer Banks.
Ocean overwash destroyed some dunes protecting N.C. 12 and forced the road’s closure Sunday, NCDOT said in a press release.
N.C. Department of Transportation crews will continue today to push sand off areas of N.C. 12 where they are able to safely do so. However, the overwash that blew out the dunes at Mirlo Beach and Pea Island continues to inundate N.C. 12 this morning. N.C. 12 could remain closed through Tuesday as crews must clear the highway of sand and rebuild the washed-out dunes that protect it.
People should avoid travel on this section of N.C. 12 as motorists should never drive through flooded roads. Also, don’t ever remove barricades as they are there to protect you.
The ocean did not breach N.C. 12 on Ocracoke.
The Pamlico Sound ferry routes resumed this afternoon (Nov. 8) and the Swan Quarter/Ocracoke route is expected to resume regular service on Tuesday. The person answering the Cedar Island terminal said a decision as to run the regular route would be made later.
Due to high winds, the ferries between Hatteras and Ocracoke, as well as the Ocracoke-Cedar Island and Ocracoke-Swan Quarter have started running on the following limited schedule:
- Hatteras-Ocracoke: Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m., midnight
- Ocracoke-Hatteras: 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
- Ocracoke-Swan Quarter: 1:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
- Swan Quarter-Ocracoke: 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
- Ocracoke-Cedar Island: 4:30 p.m.
- Cedar Island-Ocracoke: 1:30 p.m.
The storm that started Saturday continues to bring heavy winds to coastal North Carolina and is expected exit the coast later today.
For current travel conditions, please check DriveNC.gov and NCDOT on social media.
Here is a look at Sunday’s road conditions on Ocracoke. Video by Richard Taylor.
