NC 12 Closures and Ferry Suspensions in Outer Banks as Dune Breaches Leave Roads Impassable
OUTER BANKS, N.C. — Portions of North Carolina Highway 12 remain closed across multiple sections of the Outer Banks after powerful coastal flooding and dune breaches made travel unsafe, officials with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed. Crews expect to reopen affected areas by Monday, October 13, at noon, depending on weather conditions.
Dune Breaches Shut Down Hatteras and Ocracoke
Sections of NC 12 on both Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island were closed after a strong nor’easter sent waves over protective dunes. In a Sunday evening update, NCDOT said dump trucks from a nearby sand stockpile were used to rebuild dunes damaged by the storm.
Crews plan to work through the night and resume restoration efforts Monday morning, according to the WTKR report.
Officials warned residents and travelers not to attempt to cross closed highway sections, citing unstable sand and continued overwash. “High surf and soft sand continue to make the highway impassable,” the agency stated.
Pea Island Sees Severe Overwash
On Pea Island, the road between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe remains closed after a late-morning dune breach left the highway buried under ocean water.
NCDOT crews said they are working to clear debris and rebuild the sand barrier, hoping to reopen the route by midday Monday if tides recede.
The closure follows a weekend of heavy surf and wind that sent waves crashing over the same area, where a viral video showed a pickup truck narrowly escaping floodwaters.
Cedar Island Ferry Route Suspended
Farther south, NC 12 on Cedar Island is closed between Old Cedar Island Road and Lola Road. The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry route has also been suspended due to rough seas and hazardous travel conditions.
Officials estimate that both the road and ferry service will resume by Monday at noon, though that depends on weather and tidal changes overnight.
Safety Advisory and Travel Updates
The North Carolina Department of Transportation continues to urge drivers to avoid affected areas and never attempt to drive through water-covered roads.
For ongoing updates, travelers can check the latest highway and ferry information at DriveNC.gov.
High winds and surf are expected to subside by late Monday, but NCDOT crews will continue dune rebuilding and safety inspections into next week.
Have you witnessed flooding or closures near NC 12? Share your experience with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
