Ocracoke Island Faces Severe Disruption Due to Ocean Overwash Flooding

Ocracoke Island Hit Hard by Ocean Overwash Flooding

Ocracoke Island, a beautiful spot in North Carolina known for its sandy shores and laid-back vibe, is currently facing quite a disruption. The only highway connecting the island, N.C. 12, has been closed since March 22 due to ocean overwash flooding, and there’s no clear end in sight just yet. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the road remains shut until at least Saturday—though the exact reopening date is still uncertain.

Stormy Weather Causes Chaos

This unfortunate situation has been caused by a couple of pesky low-pressure systems making their way through the Outer Banks. To top it off, the recent full moon has brought significantly higher tides, resulting in some serious issues for both Ocracoke and its neighbor, Hatteras Island. Earlier this week, the Atlantic Ocean breached the sandbag dunes on the northern part of Ocracoke, flooding N.C. 12 with a mix of ocean water and tons of sand.

Randal Mathews, the Ocracoke Commissioner, shared his thoughts on the intense weather, stating, “The tides are extremely high, and the low that was offshore a few days ago looked like a hurricane. We faced large surf, high tides, and high winds working against us.” It sounds like a perfect storm for a beach town, doesn’t it?

Road to Recovery is Slowed

NCDOT hopes to have N.C. 12 reopened by noon on Saturday, but the likelihood of another offshore storm rolling in with wind and heavy rain could delay repair work. Currently, this vital stretch of road is closed between the National Park Service pony pens and the South Dock ferry terminal. The highway has seen significant overwash since the first storm rolled in over the weekend, presenting hazardous driving conditions that only worsen as the week continues.

Meanwhile, the ferry service connecting Hatteras and Ocracoke remains suspended until the highway can reopen. Although two ferries from the mainland to Ocracoke have been operating sporadically this week, it hasn’t been easy to transport mail, food, medications, and even people back and forth between the islands. In the spirit of community, the Coast Guard and local fishermen have stepped in, delivering essential supplies by boat, which surely must be a sigh of relief for the residents.

A Community That Pulls Together

“Living in the Outer Banks can be challenging enough to start, but even harder when the weather takes a turn,” the Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet posted on Facebook. They expressed their dedication to helping the Ocracoke community during these tough times, sharing how they helped transport supplies to local healthcare providers.

It’s worth mentioning that flooding has been a recurring problem for this island. Back in February, a tragic accident occurred when ocean flooding led to a fatal crash, resulting in the loss of a 61-year-old man and injuries to his wife. This prompted NCDOT to award a hefty $489,000 contract to replace and repair over 800 sandbags along N.C. 12.

Challenges on Hatteras Island

Over on Hatteras Island, road crews are doing their best to keep N.C. 12 clear of sand blown over from the harsh winds. However, the ocean overwash has damaged several homes along the oceanfront in Buxton, leaving debris scattered on the beach and even exposing septic tanks. It’s a tough sight to see and a reminder of how vital it is to keep up with coastal protections.

With some areas closed since September due to ongoing erosion and storm damage, the situation remains precarious. The National Park Service has indicated that conditions have worsened due to recent storms, keeping both residents and visitors on their toes.

What’s Next?

For those eager to visit or leave Ocracoke village, the state ferry system’s routes through Pamlico Sound are available. However, most of those ferries are completely booked for the upcoming week, so patience is certainly a virtue right now.

As Ocracoke Island navigates through these challenging weather conditions, it’s heartening to see community members and local services stepping up. Here’s hoping for kinder weather and a speedy reopening of N.C. 12 so life can get back to its serene and sandy normal on the island!