Home Weather and Surf Hurricanes past and present Hurricane Erin’s effects ramp up on Ocracoke, Hatteras

Hurricane Erin’s effects ramp up on Ocracoke, Hatteras

August 20, 2025

2382

Islanders check out the raging surf at the pony pen beach. Photo by Jeffrey Dippold

Observer staff report

Coastal flooding and overwash began ahead of this evening’s high tide at 6 p.m. for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

The NCDOT posted on their Facebook page that NC12 will be CLOSED until further notice on the north end of Ocracoke Island between the Pony Pens and the Ferry Terminal. They will reopen the road as soon as it is safe to do so.

The ocean overwashes at the vulnerable sandbag area. Photo credit unknown

Later it posted that, unfortunately, Hurricane Erin’s storm surge was too much for NC12 and they closed NC12 from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village at 6:30 p.m. “Conditions are too unsafe for people to be driving in. If you come across any flood waters, turn around; don’t drown.”

Hurricane Erin may experience fluctuations in strength over the next 24 hours, according to a report from the National Weather Service out of Morehead City.

Conditions worsened in the evening with increasing large waves, coastal flooding and storm surge, along with tropical storm force winds. Storm surge could be 2 to 4 feet.

Coastal flooding/storm surge will be significant at multiple high tide cycles starting this evening and lasting into at least Friday for some of our coast. The period of strongest winds will be tonight (Wednesday) and Thursday.

The Pamlico Sound ferries stopped running Wednesday morning and the ferry to Hatteras stopped after the 5:30 p.m. run today.

The National Park Service facilities at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) remain closed until further notice.

The Seashore is urging the public to stay away from beachfront areas as swells from Hurricane Erin impact the coast.

All areas of the Seashore are under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning and the forecasts indicate the potential for life-threatening surf conditions along area beaches.

Ocean overwash has been observed at numerous Highway 12 hotspots within the Seashore and waves are washing over and through dune areas along some beach boardwalks, off-road vehicle ramps, and village roadways adjacent to the beachfront. Soundside flooding is expected on Thursday afternoon and evening.