Hatteras Island Community Emergency Response Team

10/19/2026

Monday 10/19 evening update from NCDOT

10/19/2026

Monday, October 19, 6:15 pm: NCDOT has closed NC12 In Dare County between Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to unsafe driving conditions brought on by ocean over wash. Do not drive past barricades. Updates at drivenc.gov

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

Sunday morning update from NCDOT

10/17/2026

Saturday late afternoon update from Brett

10/17/2026

Visitors who have not yet evacuated Hatteras Island must leave immediately. The window to safely depart is rapidly closing as a powerful, long-duration coastal storm approaches the Outer Banks.

The National Weather Service forecasts multiple days of hazardous conditions, including:

Significant coastal flooding and ocean overwash that could make portions of N.C. Highway 12 impassable for several days

Strong winds with gusts of 45 to 55 mph, creating the potential for downed trees, blowing debris and power outages

Dangerous surf, large breaking waves, powerful rip currents and significant beach erosion

Possible soundside flooding in low-lying areas, particularly on southern Hatteras Island

Hazardous marine conditions and potential ferry service disruptions

The most significant coastal flooding and overwash are expected Sunday and Monday, with hazardous conditions potentially continuing into next week.

Visitors should not delay evacuation. Those who remain risk becoming stranded for multiple days, potentially without access to emergency services or the ability to leave the island if an emergency occurs.

Latest updates: DareNC.gov/Storm.

Dare County Emergency Management Information Line: 252-475-5655

10/17/2026

National Park Service Announces Weather-Related Closures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.

10/17/2026

Good morning! With the developing nor’easter off the coast, we will have limited service today on the NC Ferry routes between Ocracoke and its mainland destinations in Swan Quarter and Cedar Island. Below are last trips for today:

Ocracoke to Cedar Island
10:30 am

Cedar Island - Ocracoke
10:30 am

Swan Quarter to Ocracoke
10 am

We will be monitoring the weather closely and will announce any other schedule changes as needed.

Please check our website for ferry schedules ➡️ https://bit.ly/3bWyY6p

Or signup online for text or email alerts On ferry schedule changes ➡️ https://bit.ly/46NZpu4

10/17/2026

A mandatory evacuation for all visitors on Hatteras Island takes effect at 8 p.m. tonight (Friday, October 16). A state of emergency has also been issued for Hatteras Island.

The order applies to visitors in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. Residents of Hatteras Island and areas north of Oregon Inlet are not under an evacuation order.

An updated forecast indicates an increased threat from a developing coastal nor’easter. Prolonged coastal flooding and repeated ocean overwash are expected to threaten N.C. Highway 12, potentially cutting off roadway access to and from Hatteras Island for an extended period.

Visitors should leave before conditions deteriorate and roadway access is compromised. Conditions are expected to worsen Saturday and into Sunday morning, with the potential for ocean overwash around high tide.

Visitors with upcoming reservations should contact their accommodations provider to adjust their plans. Do not travel to Hatteras Island while the evacuation order is in effect.

For updates and preparedness information, visit DareNC.gov/Storm. For road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow NCDOT N.C. 12 on Facebook.

Sign up for emergency text alerts by texting DareEmergencyAlerts to 77295.

10/16/2026

Friday, October 16: Mandatory Evacuation called for Hatteras Island starting tonight, 8:00 pm. For full details, visit Dare County website:

https://www.darenc.gov/departments/emergency-management/hurricane