HATTERAS ISLAND, N.C. (WAVY) — The storm surge from Hurricane Erin was too much for NC 12 Wednesday evening, prompting the closure of the road from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation closed NC 12 as of 6:30 p.m. due to extensive ocean overwash and dune breaches from Erin, saying “conditions are too unsafe for people to be driving in.”
Overwashed areas include the area north of Hatteras Village, Buxton and Rodanthe. The North Carolina Department of Transportation said road conditions are too unsafe, and the high tide cycles for Thursday are forecast to be even more severe.
NC 12 on the north end of Ocracoke Island between the National Park Service Pony Pens and the Ferry Terminal closed at 5:30 p.m. until the road is safe to reopen.
The state’s transportation department said road crews would be working to clear what they can, and monitor the morning high tide for more overwash issues.
The highway will stay closed until it’s safe to reopen, the state transportation department said.
The National Weather Service is expecting hazardous conditions to peak over the next 48 hours and continue through the end of the week.
The impact expected in North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to Hurricane Erin has prompted some other landmarks and beaches to close or delay their openings.
The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will delay opening until noon Thursday.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse will remain closed Thursday and will reopen once post-storm assessments are completed.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has temporarily closed the beachfront in the villages of Rodanthe and Buxton. The Seashore advises the public to stay away from beachfront areas as swells from Hurricane Erin impact the coast.
All other facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore remain closed until further notice.
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