From our news services–updated
As of noon today, Dare County is starting a phased re-entry for Hatteras Island and re-opening of N.C. 12 with residents, property owners and workers first. Here’s how it will work:
At noon today, residents, property owners, and workers can access NC12 at the Basnight Bridge.
At 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, all restrictions will be lifted and visitors can access NC12 at that time. Details here: https://bit.ly/4mVsqsT
Earlier this morning (Aug. 23) the NCDOT reported on Facebook today that NC12 remained closed at the Basnight Bridge, but that has changed. (See above) However, the north end of Ocracoke is still closed with no access from Hatteras.
While crews are working to restore the road, the National Weather Service reports that heavy rain tonight into Sunday may hamper ongoing cleanup and restoration efforts following damage from Hurricane Erin, and could make travel even more challenging, especially on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.
The following is a morning high tide update from NCDOT:
Ocracoke – Moderate overwash at last night’s high tide and overwash since 6:30 a.m. today. Most all of the progress made clearing last evening was washed out. NC 12 has approximately two to six feet of sand deposited along a 1.6-mile section with no dune. Crews are continuing to work throughout the weekend to clear the roadway. A combination of NCDOT, NPS and contractor equipment and personnel are on the island actively clearing.
Kitty Hawk – No issues, roadway is clear.
Pea Island – No overwash at the last two high tide cycles. There is a thin skim of sand and areas of standing water on the roadway.
Buxton North End – Minor over wash at last night’s high tide but nothing so far this morning. There is a thin skim of sand and standing water on the roadway.
Hatteras – No overwash at last night’s tide and so far this morning with sand skim and water. Eight to 10 inches of water on the roadway. Crews are working to widen and clear width of travel lanes to edge of pavement this morning.
Rodanthe – There was some overwash on secondary roads at last evening’s high tide.
There is still no signs of pavement damage.
Notes:
The NPS Campground on Ocracoke is open.
Beach ORV ramps 70 and 67 on Ocracoke are open.
Beginning Monday, the ‘Ocracoke Express’ passenger ferry will resume service from Hatteras directly to Ocracoke Village (bypassing NC12). Click here for ferry information.
