Editor’s: NC12 on Ocracoke reopened Wednesday evening (Oct. 15). Drivers are urged to exercise caution as standing water and sand remain on the road, especially around the high tide cycles.
By Peter Vankevich
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island reopened shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 14). While it was still closed on Ocracoke on Wednesday due to ongoing ocean overwash from high tide cycles and debris near the ferry terminal at the island’s north end, it was expected to reopen by the evening.
The NC DOT 12 Facebook page reported that more heavy equipment was transported on a Hatteras Inlet ferryboat early today to assist with cleanup efforts on Ocracoke. The highway on the north end of Ocracoke has been closed since Saturday, Oct. 11, following a powerful nor’easter that pummeled the Outer Banks.
N.C.12 on Hatteras and Pea islands has experienced intermittent closures. Crews have been working to clear water and sand, but the dunes continue to be breached by high tide cycles. The National Weather Service in Morehead City anticipates this pattern will persist with the upcoming high tide cycles and will then reside.
Officials are urging caution due to the presence of saltwater and sand on the roads of Pea and Hatteras islands.
Ocracoke village has continued to experience minor flooding around the high tides. The next high tide on the island today will be around 4 pm.
Today’s weather forecast predicts temperatures in the upper 60s, breezy with variable north and northwest winds. The next 10 days are expected to be dry with no significant high winds.
Ocracoke is fortunate with 2 other ways to get on and off the Island.
Can not do anything about it, but it is a crap shoot if a tourist, say from ohio, tries to figure on being able to get to their reservation.
You can always try getting here via Swan Quarter or Cedar Island.
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