Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry Services Suspended Due to Bad Weather Conditions

The ferry operations between Hatteras and Ocracoke were suspended on Thursday evening due to deteriorating weather conditions. The decision came as a precautionary measure aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and operators, following an update from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Ferry Division.

Deteriorating Weather Looms over Normal Operations

On the evening of April 11, 2024, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the services were halted owing to the worsening weather situation.
The ferry services will resume upon discovering significant improvements in the weather conditions. As the coastal storm continues to cast a worrying shade over the Outer Banks regions, officials are concerned about possible oceanside flooding affecting the northern side of Ocracoke Island and N.C. Highway 12.

Ocean Overwash – A Persistent Threat Around High Tides

An ocean overwash encroaching onto the highway is most likely around high tide, A serious threat particularly given the upcoming high tide cycles at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, and 11:15 a.m. on Friday. In response, emergency respondents and highway patrol units have been placed on high alert in anticipation of any disruptions or distress calls.

Staying Informed and Updated

The North Carolina Department of Transportation encourages locals, as well as tourists, to stay informed about any updates regarding the ferry operations and the current weather conditions. The community can sign up for alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system, which was launched in 2023. The system issues direct notifications of any schedule changes from the terminal and users have the flexibility to unsubscribe at any given time.

Alternatively, the public can also stay updated on the various Ocracoke Island routes by following https://twitter.com/NCFerryHatteras and https://twitter.com/ncferrypamsound/. For more detailed information, members of the community are encouraged to call 1-800-BY-FERRY.

Looking Forward

As the weather deteriorates and the coastal storm continues to impact the Outer Banks regions, the NCDOT and the local communities are working collaboratively to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. Although the services are suspended for the time being, the department’s swift action plans and their detailed communication strategy are evident of the department’s commitment to maintaining operations and ensuring public safety.