Hatteras Island under emergency status following highway damage

Hatteras Island is under a state of emergency following significant damage to N.C. Highway 12 caused by a nor'easter. The highway remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to ocean overwash and road damage, leaving the island without land access to the mainland.

To maintain the movement of essential supplies, emergency personnel, and residents, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry Division is launching emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point on the mainland and Rodanthe. The one-way trip is expected to take approximately two hours. This marks the first time this specific emergency route has been utilized since December 2013.

Access to the island is currently restricted under a priority reentry system established by Dare County. Entry is limited to Priority One individuals, such as essential government and medical workers, and Priority Two individuals, including permanent residents and critical business personnel. Visitors and non-resident property owners are currently not permitted to enter the island via the ferry service.