Visitors Ordered Off Hatteras Island as Nor'easter Threatens NC 12

Dare County ordered every visitor off Hatteras Island on Friday night and declared a state of emergency, as a slow nor'easter builds off the North Carolina coast and forecasters warn that flooding will likely cut N.C. Highway 12, the island's only road, for days.

The state of emergency took effect at 6 p.m. Friday, and the mandatory evacuation for visitors followed at 8 p.m. The order covers Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. It does not apply to island residents, and no evacuation was ordered for areas north of Oregon Inlet. Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson said an updated forecast raised the expected impact on the highway and drove the decision. Visitors were told to follow their rental company or host and not travel toward the island while the order stands.

The warnings in place

The National Weather Service office in Newport and Morehead City upgraded Hatteras Island from a Coastal Flood Watch to a Coastal Flood Warning at 3:35 a.m. Saturday. The warning runs from 5 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Tuesday and calls for 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level in vulnerable areas, flooding reaching inland, homes and businesses threatened, roads closed and vehicles at risk.

Forecasters expect breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet and wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph. A High Surf Advisory runs from 2 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Tuesday, a Gale Warning covers the waters from noon Saturday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, and a Beach Hazards Statement warns of dangerous rip currents through Saturday evening. Conditions worsen through Saturday and into Sunday morning, with the worst ocean overwash expected around each high tide, starting with the tide at about 1 p.m. Saturday.

One road, and it floods

N.C. Highway 12 is the only direct road route along Hatteras Island. County officials expect prolonged coastal flooding and repeated overwash to close it for an extended period. How long the island stays cut off depends on how long the storm lingers, what damage it does, and how much work crews need to reopen the road safely.

The state transportation department has staged equipment, put crews on standby, and readied the emergency ferry terminals at Rodanthe and Stumpy Point in case that route runs again. The road's recent history is why officials moved early. A late September nor'easter damaged the highway near the Pea Island Visitor Center, forced the emergency ferry route into service, and needed a temporary detour before two lanes reopened on October 3.

Ocracoke told to decide by Saturday afternoon

Hyde County warned people on Ocracoke Island that Saturday morning could be the last good chance to leave before the storm cuts travel off for several days. Anyone who stays is very likely to be stranded until early to mid next week, possibly Tuesday or Wednesday, the county said. Ferry suspensions are expected from Saturday evening on the Hatteras, Swan Quarter and Cedar Island routes.

The county also warned of severe limits on emergency medical transport if the highway closes and the ferries stop, since medical helicopter flights cannot be guaranteed in the worst weather. People who might need emergency care were told not to stay on or travel to Ocracoke. Those remaining were told to keep a week of medicine, food, water and battery powered lighting, and to secure loose outdoor items.

The storm also cancelled Saturday's Outer Banks Seafood Festival, with tickets and sponsorships honored in 2027. Dare County said its next bulletin would come by noon Saturday, with reentry information when conditions allow.