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

As NCDOT crews work to get NC12 reopened on Hatteras Island, Dare County officials announced Thursday afternoon that a reentry permit will be required to get back on the island.

Dare County will announce with it's safe to return, and it will be done through a four-stage reentry process.

Click on Dare County to get more details on the process and apply for a reentry permit.

The four priority stages of reentry:

• Priority One: Essential Personnel

• Priority Two: Permanent Residents & Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses

• Priority Three: Non-Resident Property Owners and Non-Resident Employees of Non-Critical Businesses

• Priority Four: General Public and Visitors

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.