As of 6 p.m. yesterday evening, a state of emergency was issued for Hatteras Island. A mandatory evacuation order for visitors on Hatteras Island took effect at 8 p.m. last night, Friday, October 16. This includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
The evacuation order applies only to Hatteras Island visitors. No evacuation has been issued for residents of Hatteras Island or for areas north of Oregon Inlet.
The order followed an updated National Weather Service forecast indicating greater impacts from a developing coastal nor’easter. County officials anticipate that prolonged coastal flooding and repeated ocean overwash will likely close N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island for an extended period, cutting off roadway access to and from the island. The length of any road closure will depend on the storm’s duration, resulting damage and the work required to safely reopen the highway.
All Hatteras Island visitors should leave before conditions deteriorate and roadway access is compromised.
Conditions will begin to deteriorate as winds and seas build throughout the day today, Saturday, October 17, and into Sunday morning, October 18. The greatest potential for ocean overwash will occur around each high tide, beginning today, Saturday, October 17, at approximately 1 p.m.
Visitors are asked to take all personal belongings and follow departure instructions from their property management company or accommodations provider. Visitors with upcoming reservations on Hatteras Island should contact their accommodations provider to adjust their plans and should not travel toward the island while the evacuation order is in effect.
Road Conditions & Travel:
Dare County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates, including information about reentry, as conditions allow.
For the latest road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT N.C. 12 on Facebook. Travelers should also monitor NCDOT Ferry Division updates for potential changes to ferry service.
For ongoing information and local preparedness resources, visit DareNC.gov/Storm. To receive emergency text alerts from Dare County, text DareEmergencyAlerts to 77295.
For the latest National Weather Service briefing, visit weather.gov/mhx.
