N.C. Highway 12 remains closed on Northern Ocracoke on Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning, Northern Ocracoke Island saw the continued closure of N.C. Highway 12. Due to strong winds and ocean overwash, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) clarified that the highway will not reopen on Sunday. They are actively working to reopen the highway on Monday.

Overwash and Suspension of Ferry Services

The closure extends from the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry terminal to the NPS Pony Pens. This is primarily due to ocean overwash brought on by inclement weather. With the highway closed, ferry services, including Hatteras-Ocracoke, Ocracoke-Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke-Cedar operations, were also suspended on Sunday morning.

N.C. Highway 12 Condition on Hatteras Island

While Northern Ocracoke grapples with highway closures, Hatteras Island painted a different picture on Sunday. Some sand and standing water were present on parts of the highway, particularly on Pea Island, north of Hatteras Village, and in northern Buxton. Despite minor ocean overwash during the high tide at around 7:45 a.m., the highway remained open and passable. To ensure efficient traffic, NCDOT crews were called in to clear the road as necessary.

Impacts from the Weekend’s Low Pressure System

The low pressure system from the weekend is expected to persist on Sunday, causing large, long-period swells into the middle of the week. Primarily the beaches north of Cape Hatteras in Buxton will experience persistent high surf conditions. All Outer Banks beaches may witness breaking waves of 10-15 feet in the surf zone. Ocean overwash that affects N.C. Highway 12 is most likely during high tide which is at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Further Impact Predictions and Advisories

Forecasters predict possible oceanside flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level through early Tuesday, while minor to moderate sound side flooding is also possible on southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. Strong northerly winds, with peak wind gusts of up to 50 mph, are also expected to continue on Sunday. Several warnings are in effect for the Outer Banks, including a Coastal Flood Warning, Gale Warning, Wind Advisory, and High Surf Advisory.

Stay Informed

For weather information updates, refer to the National Weather Service’s local forecasts, and for updates regarding ferry delays or cancellations, subscribe to the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system alerts. The NCDOT and NCDOT NC 12 regularly share updates on road conditions, along with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Getting notified directly from the terminal of any changes to the schedule can be crucial in planning your travels during such weather conditions.

Residents can look forward to more updates from the North Carolina Department of Transportation as they work on restoring the situation.