From our news services
The Hyde County Board of Commissioners have lifted the evacuation order for Ocracoke Island for essential personnel, residents, and property owners effective at noon today (Aug. 22) and sound class ferries will begin running this afternoon.
Access will immediately be allowed to Ocracoke essential personnel, residents and property owners who will be allowed access to the island in that order of priority pending NCDOT Ferry availability.
Today’s (Aug. 22) schedule will be:
Swan Quarter – Ocracoke: Noon and 4 p.m.
Ocracoke – Swan Quarter: Noon and 4 p.m.
Cedar Island – Ocracoke: Noon and 4 p.m.
Ocracoke – Cedar Island: Noon and 4 p.m.
The two routes will resume their regular summer schedules tomorrow.
The visitor evacuation order will remain in effect pending an assessment of NC Highway 12 at the north end of Ocracoke.
There was constant ocean overwash of that area and significant sand accumulation during the event. NCDOT is working to clear that section of highway and resume access to NC Hwy 12 and the Ocracoke to Hatteras Ferry service.
Hyde County will strive to reopen to visitors as soon as possible.
Please be advised that while access to the north is still unavailable, access for emergency medical services to transport patients off the island will also be impeded. This route remains the most timely access for emergency medical services to transport patients off the island, other than medivac.
The ferry reservation system is not available while an evacuation order is active. Spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given in the following order: essential personnel, residents, and property owners.
You will need a Hyde County-issued reentry tag or picture ID with an Ocracoke address listed to gain access to the island.
For real-time travel information, please check NCDOT’s DriveNC.gov and the NCDOT Ferry Division social media accounts.
People can also receive text or email notifications on ferry schedules and changes through the Ferry Information Notification System, or FINS.
Property owners are residents.
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