Control Group Recommends Opening Ocracoke Island to Visitors on November 22

The Ocracoke Control Group met on Monday, November 11, and recommended to the Hyde County Board of Commissioners to lift the evacuation order on November 22, 2019, or immediately following the reopening of N.C. Highway 12, which is currently slated and on schedule to reopen on November 22.

The Hyde County Board of Commissioners recognizes the Ocracoke Control Group’s request and will release access restrictions and reopen Ocracoke Island to visitors on November 22, or immediately upon the reopening of N.C. 12.

The evacuation order has been in place since September 4, 2019, ahead of Dorian’s arrival. When discussing possible dates for reentry to begin, the control group identified two benchmarks that needed to be completed. First, the initial pass of debris removal, which was completed on November 1. The final and last benchmark is the reopening of N.C. 12 for all vehicles.

After the evacuation order is lifted, visitors will be immediately allowed to access Ocracoke.

Ferry operations will return to the paid reservation system normally in place. Reconstruction and debris removal will continue to take place for the foreseeable future. Please be aware of any obstacles while on the island. In addition, visitors should be advised there are limited lodging accommodations, food service, gas availability and other services normally available to the visiting public. Please plan your visits accordingly.

The Hyde County Board of Commissioners will still hold the Monday, November 18th meeting scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Government Center in Swan Quarter and the Community Center in Ocracoke for the purpose of taking public comment and discuss individual items related to reentry and recovery. A full agenda will be forthcoming.