Hatteras Island visitors ordered to evacuate as nor'easter threatens Outer Banks

Dare County has declared a state of emergency and issued a mandatory evacuation order for all visitors to Hatteras Island due to an approaching nor'easter. The evacuation, effective at 8 p.m. Friday, October 16, covers the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Residents and areas north of Oregon Inlet are not currently under evacuation orders.

The National Weather Service warns of significant coastal impacts starting Saturday, October 17, including ocean overwash, wind gusts up to 55 mph, and coastal flooding of 2 to 4 feet. These conditions are expected to potentially cause extended closures of N.C. Highway 12, which could cut off roadway access to and from the island.

The N.C. Department of Transportation has staged equipment and fortified protective dunes on Pea, Hatteras, and Ocracoke islands to respond to the storm. Travelers are urged to monitor road conditions via DriveNC.gov, as high tide cycles and overnight conditions may make coastal roads impassable.