NC12 reopens on north end of Ocracoke, state of emergency lifted nearly week after Erin

Gov. Josh Stein gave an update on North Carolina's response efforts to Hurricane Erin.

Even though the storm did not make landfall, the governor urged people to stay prepared, as hazardous conditions will continue throughout the weekend along the coast.

"Dangerous conditions, including rip currents and coastal flooding from storm surge, are expected through the weekend, even as Hurricane Erin moves away from the coast," Stein said. "I am grateful to the State Emergency Response Team for keeping people safe and roadways clear, but with flooding peaking tonight, please avoid driving on roads with standing water. We are actively monitoring the situation and remain ready to respond to any needs."

The State Emergency Response Team remains ready to deploy, and North Carolina National Guard troops, along with boats, high-clearance vehicles, and aircraft, are also on alert.. The North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART), which includes NC Emergency Management, NC National Guard, and State Highway Patrol, is also on standby. Two CH-47 helicopters from neighboring states are on standby to transport food and water, if necessary.

There is a shelter set up by Warren County Emergency Management for people who have evacuated from the coast. That shelter is at 113 Wilcox St. in Warrenton. Pets are allowed at this shelter.

Dare County issued a few updates around 2 p.m. on Thursday on the effects of Hurricane Erin.

NC Highway 12 on Hatteras Island remains closed after extensive ocean overwash and multiple dune breaches. The most damage is at the northern ends of Buxton and Hatteras Village, as well as along Pea Island, north of Rodanthe.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are working to clear sand and water from the roadway and repair damaged dune systems. The closure will remain in place until NCDOT determines that travel can safely resume.

As Hurricane Erin keeps being felt in the Outer Banks some conditions are improving.

There are currently no closed roads or breached dunes in Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head, according to a social media post from Dare County.

However, double red flags are still posted on all Dare County beaches, indicating no one can enter the Atlantic Ocean anywhere in the county.

Officials also express caution about how quickly conditions can change.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has posted an update on road conditions along the Outer Banks, as Hurricane Erin continues to impact the coastline.

As of Thursday morning, NC12 remains closed at the Marc Basnight Bridge, DOT says in an updated post. Here are other roads impacted by Erin:

• Pea Island - Section closed due to some overnight overwash and deep blown sand on the road.

• Buxton North End - Overwash occurred most of last night and during the morning high tide. Sand and standing water on the road. This section is closed.

• Hatteras - Major overwash with dune breaches from Wednesday's high tide. Deep sand, water, and debris are covering the road.

• Ocracoke - Major overwash. Large sections of the protective dune are flat. The section is closed.

• Rodanthe: Significant overwash on several secondary sections.

• Kitty Hawk - No reported issues, minor blown sand, road is passable.

Hurricane Erin is beginning to move away from the NC coast. Crews will be out working to clear what they can. NCDOT says they don't have a time yet for when NC 12 will reopen.

The next high tide is around 7:00 p.m. Thursday and could lead to more overwash.