Ocracoke Island Faces Road Closure Due to Severe Ocean Overwash
Ocracoke Island, a charming destination known for its pristine beaches and quaint village atmosphere, is in the midst of some significant challenges. The island’s only highway, N.C. 12, has been closed since March 22 due to major ocean overwash flooding, and it’s expected to remain shut down through at least this Saturday. This situation marks yet another instance of Mother Nature testing the resilience of this beautiful Outer Banks community.
Mother Nature Strikes Again
This week has seen a series of back-to-back low-pressure systems hit the Outer Banks, combined with higher-than-usual tides courtesy of a full moon. These conditions have led to significant flooding, particularly on the northern end of Ocracoke, where the Atlantic Ocean has once again breached protective sandbag dunes. As a result, ocean water and heaps of sand have washed over N.C. 12, leaving large stretches underwater and dangerously inundated.
“The tides are extremely high, and the low that was offshore a few days ago looked like a hurricane,” shared Randal Mathews, Ocracoke’s Commissioner. These chilling words paint a clear picture of the fierce weather conditions plaguing the island. The destructive forces of large surf, high tides, and winds have created a tricky situation for transportation.
Waiting on Access
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is hopeful that they can reopen N.C. 12 by noon on Saturday. However, another offshore storm bringing wind and heavy rain is currently stalling the necessary work to make the road safe for travel. The affected stretch of highway runs from the National Park Service pony pens to the South Dock Ferry terminal.
As if the floodwaters weren’t enough, ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke has also been suspended until N.C. 12 is back open. A few ferries from the mainland have been operating sporadically this week, but accessing essential services like mail, food, and medications has become quite the challenge, with delays being the norm.
Community Support in Action
The Coast Guard and local fishermen have stepped up to shoulder the burden, using boats to deliver much-needed prescriptions, food, and other supplies to Ocracoke residents. “Living in the Outer Banks can be challenging enough to start, but even harder when the weather takes a turn,” a social media post from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet reflected.
In February, this area was the site of a tragic accident, where a 61-year-old man lost his life, and his wife was injured due to ocean flooding on the same roadway. Following this heartbreaking event, the NCDOT had to allocate a whopping $489,000 for repairs and replacing sandbags along N.C. 12. However, as many residents on the island can attest, weather conditions haven’t been favorable for getting these repairs completed.
A Look at Hatteras Island
While Ocracoke faces road closures, neighboring Hatteras Island has also faced its own battle with sand and ocean overwash this week. Road crews have been working diligently to clear N.C. 12 of sand blown over by the storms, but ocean overwash has followed suit, causing damage to several oceanfront homes in Buxton. Reports have indicated debris scattering the beach with exposed septic tanks adding to the mess.
The damage has been sweeping from the northern Buxton Village borders all the way to the closed Buxton Beach Access at the end of Old Lighthouse Road. Moreover, it has become a recurring issue, with the National Park Service noting that storms during this winter and spring season have exacerbated existing problems, particularly around old military infrastructure that was already a concern.
A Community United
The community of Ocracoke, along with its neighbors, isn’t facing these challenges alone. They are rallying together, showcasing the spirit of resilience unique to the Outer Banks. As they prepare for another stormy night, there is hope that the sun will shine soon, both literally and metaphorically, allowing the roads and ferries to resume their vital roles in keeping this close-knit community connected.
