The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced that N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island will reopen at 5 p.m. today after being closed Sunday due to significant overwash and flooding.
On Ocracoke Island, however, the highway will remain closed as crews work to clear sand and standing water from the roadway and rebuild portions of the protective dune system that were washed out during the storm. Travelers are advised to monitor conditions closely and check DriveNC.gov for real-time updates before attempting to drive on either island.
Coastal flooding and hazardous travel conditions continued across the Outer Banks on Monday as persistent onshore winds, high surf, and weakened dune systems led to minor overwash and flooding in vulnerable areas. While conditions are expected to gradually improve later tonight, impacts are ongoing, especially around high tide.
Tuesday’s forecast calls for cloudy skies, scattered showers, and strong northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts near 40 mph at times. Seas remain rough, ranging from six to nine feet, and water levels may rise again during the afternoon high tide. Temperatures will remain in the upper 60s to around 70 degrees before dipping into the low 60s tonight.
Officials urge residents and visitors to avoid flooded roadways and to be cautious even after N.C. Highway 12 reopens. Sections of the roadway may still be covered in sand or saltwater, and conditions can change rapidly with shifting winds and tides. Standing water can hide erosion or damage to the pavement, and motorists are reminded to turn around rather than drive through flooded sections.
Coastal hazards are expected to linger into Wednesday, with elevated surf and minor flooding possible through multiple tide cycles. Local officials recommend that residents continue to monitor weather updates and allow extra time for travel as cleanup and road repairs continue across the islands.
The post N.C. Highway 12 will reopen at 5 p.m. on Hatteras Island, but will remain closed on Ocracoke appeared first on Island Free Press.
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