NC 12 Remains Closed in Outer Banks as Flooding Damages Homes and Neighborhoods

OUTER BANKS, N.C. – Highway 12, the vital roadway running through the Outer Banks, remains closed as crews battle to clear water, sand, and storm debris following Hurricane Erin’s punishing coastal flooding.

Highway 12 Shut Down After Overwash

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed that NC 12 remains closed from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village, as well as sections of Ocracoke, after dunes were breached and ocean overwash left large portions of the highway impassable.

“We have not seen any indication of pavement damage at this point,” said Tim Hass, communications officer for NCDOT’s Division I. “However, there is still pavement that is covered with water and sand. Until we’re able to clear that off, we won’t be able to make a final determination.”

Oceanfront Neighborhoods Underwater

Flooding stretched into neighborhoods and businesses near Buxton and Hatteras Village. Driveways and lower levels of homes were buried in sand, and water reached up to the hubcaps of DOT trucks in some areas.

Outer Banks photographer Donny Bowers described water rushing across roads, parking lots, and motels. “I saw a bunch of debris, pieces of treated wood and boardwalks, and it was washing basically from the oceanside a good 300 yards in,” he said.

Video from residents showed submerged streets and ocean water pounding homes near the shoreline.

Emergency Response and Cleanup

NCDOT deployed a fleet of heavy equipment, including bulldozers, front-end loaders, and excavators, with nearly 20 workers dedicated to clearing the roadway. Still, officials warned there is no timeline for reopening NC 12.

Governor Josh Stein is expected to visit Dare County to assess the damage and meet with emergency crews. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Emergency Management Division announced a Crisis Cleanup hotline (910-218-1569) to connect affected households with volunteer assistance.

Uncertainty for Residents and Visitors

Dare County officials said another high tide Thursday night could bring additional overwash, complicating cleanup efforts. “We’ve got a large amount of water over the road,” said County Manager Bobby Outten, adding that the focus is on clearing sand quickly to protect pavement from long-term damage.

NCDOT reports varied conditions along NC 12:

• Kitty Hawk: Road passable with minor sand.
• Pea Island: Overnight overwash and deep sand.
• Buxton: Sand and standing water on roadway.
• Hatteras: Major dune breaches with sand, debris, and deep water.
• Ocracoke: Large dune sections flattened, road still closed.

Lingering Impacts of Erin

Though Hurricane Erin has moved northeast, the storm’s effects are still being felt across the fragile barrier islands. High surf, coastal flooding, and erosion have battered communities, leaving many unsure when critical infrastructure like NC 12 will be safe for travel again.

Residents and visitors impacted by the closures or flooding are encouraged to share their experiences and updates with the community at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.