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

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has deemed all of N.C. 12 in Dare County safe for travel.

Following the mandatory evacuation order, Dare County officials have launched a staged reentry process. Locals, property owners, and workers can begin traveling on N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island starting at noon.

Dare County officials have already launched a staged reentry process after the mandatory evacuation order. Locals, property owners, and workers can now travel on N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island, starting at noon.

"This staged reentry process enables those who live on Hatteras Island to return to their residences-and for those who own property on Hatteras Island to check their homes before visitors are permitted to return. In addition, it enables employees to return to assist businesses and property managers with preparing for the return of visitors," the county said in a press release.

Access to N.C. 12 will be at Basnight Bridge. Visitors will be allowed entry starting Sunday at 5 a.m.

NCDOT crews are working to clear remaining sand and water from the highway. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, drive slowly, and provide space for personnel to complete the cleanup.

The highway was closed on the evening of Aug. 20 after severe overwash from Hurricane Erin inundated several sections. It remains closed at the north end of Ocracoke Island, between the South Dock Ferry Terminal and the National Park Service Pony Pens.

Heavy rain is expected on Sunday, which may increase the risk of flooding in certain areas of Hatteras due to drainage challenges.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said Friday evening that NC Highway 12 will remain closed from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras and on the north end of Ocracoke Island as cleanup work continues across the road.

The department shared photos of sand covering NC 12 on Ocracoke north of the Pony Pens on social media.

Officials said during the evening high tide, the department saw more ocean overwash at Buxton and Ocracoke; however, "new" dunes at Hatteras and Pea Island held up.

Despite the closure of the highway, the NCDOT said ferries between Cedar Island, Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke are operating for residents, property owners, and essential personnel.

The ferries will be open for visitors beginning on Saturday at 10 a.m.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said in its latest update that there's still no timeline yet on when NC12 will be open along the Outer Banks.

On its NC12 Facebook page, DOT lays out what they're doing to reopen the highway, but they need some help from the weather.

• Crews still have to repair the dune breaches and clear the highway of standing water and sand, and then check to make sure there is no pavement damage.

• If there is no pavement damage, crews can clear the road as much as possible, so it is safe to travel and then reopen it.

• If there is pavement damage, it will delay opening NC12 as they'll have to then fix the damaged areas, which will take longer.

NCDOT also posted this statement:
"We understand that Saturday is 'turnaround day' on the Outer Banks. We understand how badly you want to get here. Trust us, no one wants to see this highway reopened more than we do. When we have a timeline on reopening, we will say so here. We will issue a press release. But safety is Job One, and we won't be reopening Highway 12 until it is safe to do so."

Dare County remains under a State of Emergency, which includes the mandatory evacuation of Hatteras Island.

Friday, the Dare County damage assessment teams were deployed to Hatteras Island. The team is conducting a post-storm damage assessment to determine the severity of the impact of Erin on the community.

The assessment will include checking on homes, businesses, and public infrastructure to help with their recovery plan.

This will also help them ask for state or federal assistance if needed.

This is also a reminder that once the island reopens, you'll need a reentry permit, the county announced on Thursday.

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