Noon UPDATE, Saturday, Feb. 23: N.C. Highway 12 on northern Ocracoke Island has reopened. There is still sand and saltwater on the road, and travelers are advised to slow down and use caution.
The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry has also resumed normal ferry operations starting with the 1 p.m. departure from Hatteras.
N.C. Highway 12 was closed on northern Ocracoke Island due to ocean overwash that accompanied Saturday morning’s high tide, according to a 7:30 a.m. update from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry also suspended operations until the highway reopened.
Overwash has routinely been reported on the highway between the NPS Pony Pens and the Ocracoke-Hatteras ferry terminal during high tide cycles for the past few weeks. Additional overwash may be possible during subsequent high tides.
The next high tides on Ocracoke Island are approximately 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 24, and 8 a.m. on Sunday, Feb 25.
Hyde County Sheriff deputy Rob King posted the following on Facebook today (Feb. 24):
Highway 12 is now open. Southbound lane has approximately 6 to 8 inches of water on it. Northbound lane has sand and some standing water but is completely passable. Be aware that NCDOT is still working to clear sand and debris from the roadway. Use caution and proceed slowly through the washout area. Be advised that travel will be primarily limited to the north bound lane.
The Observer received the following letter to the editor regarding conditions Friday night:
As an island homeowner and part-time resident (and Ocracoke Observer reader) we were aware of, and concerned with, driving conditions on NC Highway 12 last night for our return to the island on the P.M. Hatteras ferry.
We are writing this morning to express our thanks for the Sheriff’s Deputy who was on duty last night directing off-loading ferry traffic to the one safe side of the road. The flashing blue lights combined with the officer standing in the road illuminating the one good lane slowed traffic down and had the cars in the one dry lane. Without that, there is no doubt at least the first few vehicles would have encountered a surprise encounter with deep water and hydroplane conditions. We hope this level of support can continue whenever conditions warrant in the future.
— Corky and Jill Lindstrom
- To get notified of ferry delays or cancellations, sign up for text and/or email alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system: www.ncdot.gov/fins. Users will get notified of any schedule changes directly from the terminal, and can unsubscribe at any time.
- For updates regarding road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on its Facebook page.
- For more information on the local weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
As sea levels continue to rise, won’t this o it co to use to get worse? What’s the long term plan for the island?
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