By Peter Vankevich
Even though Erin is moving far away from the Eastern Seaboard, impacts continue today for the Outer Banks especially between Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke due to continued large swells and wave run-up on the badly compromised dune structures.
NCDOT reported at 7 a.m. that this morning’s high tide cycle has already opened up two new dune breaches along NC Highway 12.
The first is a 200-foot long breach at the Canal Zone just south of Oregon Inlet. The other a 30-foot breach in a dune at the Pea Island Visitor Center. Plus, there is more overwash at Buxton, north of Hatteras and on the north end of Ocracoke Island.
NC12 remains closed on northern Ocracoke Island and the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry service is suspended until the roadway opens.
The good news from NCDOT is that the crews who are out clearing and rebuilding dunes have seen no indication of pavement damage.
There is no word yet from the NC Ferry Division on when the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries will resume.
Hyde County Manager Kris Noble will give updates on Hurricane Erin’s aftermath on “What’s Happening on Ocracoke” at 11:30 a.m. today (Friday) on WOVV FM 90.1, http://www.wovv.org.
Ocracoke Village experienced some minor high tide water on the roads again and no power outages during this stormy week.
Friday morning on the island sees the sun is peaking through the clouds, mid-70s temperatures and winds down to 10 mph.
