N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island remains closed as a result of extensive ocean overwash and multiple dune breaches caused by Hurricane Erin. The most significant impacts have occurred at the northern ends of Buxton and Hatteras Village, as well as along Pea Island located north of Rodanthe.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are actively engaged in clearing sand and water from the roadway and repairing damaged dune systems. The closure will remain in place until NCDOT determines that travel can safely resume. Real-time travel updates are available at DriveNC.gov or by following NCDOT on social media.

The National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City has advised that the highest water levels are expected to occur with this evening’s high tide, around 7 p.m., so remain vigilant until the storm moves further offshore.

Areas north of Oregon Inlet are open to travel. Please keep in mind that conditions along the beach are extremely hazardous and are expected to deteriorate further as tides cycle and winds shift.

Officials strongly urge the public to remain out of the water and to exercise extreme caution near the shoreline. The combination of heavy shore break, swift-moving water, and strong rip currents presents life-threatening conditions.

Tropical Storm and Storm Surge warnings remain in effect for Dare County, which also continues to operate under a State of Emergency. In addition, the Mandatory Evacuation order issued for all areas of Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A) remains in effect until further notice.

Reentry Permit Information:

When Dare County officials determine that it is safe to return to Hatteras Island, a staged reentry process will be used to facilitate a safe and orderly return for Hatteras Island residents, property owners and visitors.

Dare County’s 2025 reentry permit applications are still open and include the following stages:

Essential Personnel (Priority One)
Essential personnel includes essential utilities personnel, government personnel, medical personnel and damage assessment personnel.

Permanent Residents and Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses (Priority Two)
Critical businesses include grocery stores, food distributors, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, property management, building supply stores and hotels.

Non-Resident Property Owners and Non-Resident Employees of Non-Critical Businesses (Priority Three)
Non-resident property owners will also be allowed reentry with a current real property tax bill or property record with matching current government-issued ID or a reentry permit with matching current government-issued identification. Non-resident employees of non-critical businesses will be allowed entry with a reentry permit with matching current government issued identification.

General Public and Visitors (Priority Four)
No reentry permit is needed for Priority Four.

No one with proper identification will be denied reentry. Reentry permits from previous years will not be accepted. To apply for a 2025 Dare County reentry permit, visit DareNC.gov/Reentry.

Swimming Prohibition (Countywide):

Due to life-threatening ocean conditions—including rip currents and extremely hazardous surf and large breaking waves—double red flags have been posted throughout all Dare County beaches by local ocean rescue agencies, indicating that no one may enter the waters of the Atlantic Ocean anywhere in Dare County. This prohibition includes swimming with or without flotation devices, rafts, or other aids. A violation of this restriction is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14-288.20A

Surfing Exception: Entry with a surfboard is permitted. A surfboard is defined as a fiberglass and foam combination at least five feet in length, having a minimum of one fin, and used in conjunction with a leash.

Hatteras Island:

Due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin and the Mandatory Evacuation order for all of Hatteras Island, Dare County offices and facilities south of Oregon Inlet will remain closed until the evacuation order is lifted. County offices and facilities north of Oregon Inlet will be operating business as usual unless otherwise noted. Find additional closures, cancellations or changes to Dare County schedules on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.

Dare County Water Department

The Dare County Water Department plans to restore water service to the area located south of N.C. Highway 12 and along Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton [see highlighted area in image] on Friday, August 22, 2025. If conditions remain unfavorable and water is unable to be restored an alert will be sent out to affected Dare County Water customers who are located in the designated area.

For customers in the area highlighted on the map, bottled water will be available for pickup at the Cape Hatteras Water plant. Please stop by and ring the front doorbell or call 252-475-5990 to schedule a pickup time. The Cape Hatteras Water Plant is located at 50225 Water Association Road, Frisco, NC 27936.

For more information, please contact the Dare County Water Department at Water@DareNC.gov or 252-475-5990.

Dare County Public Works

Due to impacts from Hurricane Erin, there will be no residential trash collection on Friday, August 22, 2025 for the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon. Dare County Public Works plans to resume trash collection on Monday, August 25, 2025 and Tuesday, August 26, 2025 and will continue to evaluate as road conditions change.

The Buxton Transfer Station will remain closed until further notice.

Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.

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