UPDATE: Power restored to the islands; NCDOT crews working to clear water, sand from N.C. 12

Power was restored to Hatteras and Ocracoke islands at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, as Nags Head Fire & Rescue was able to assist the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative in spraying and washing away the salt contamination. If your power did not come back on, please call CHEC at 866-511-9862.

NCDOT crews are continually working at removing sand and water from N.C. Highway 12 north of Rodanthe, and hope to reopen the Highway from Rodanthe to the Oregon Inlet Bridge by Saturday afternoon.

Ocean overwash and oceanside flooding with Saturday morning’s high tide was reported in northern Hatteras, northern Buxton, Avon, Rodanthe, and Pea Island. Motorists should continue to use caution when traveling the entire section of N.C. 12 from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village, as large areas of sand and water remain on the roadway.

Subtropical Storm Melissa, which is located well offshore of the mid-Atlantic coastline, will continue to produce rough surf, large swells and elevated water levels for the Outer Banks through the weekend. Ocean overwash is probable before and after Saturday night’s high tide, which is at approximately 8-8:30 p.m.

Per the National Hurricane Center, as of Saturday morning, Melissa was located 235 SSE of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and was moving northeast at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 55 mph. Melissa is expected to weaken and move away from the U.S. East Coast today, resulting in a gradual decrease of wind and coastal flooding conditions.

The Island Free Press will continue to post updates as soon as they are available.