Multiple Sections of Highway 12 Closed; Expected to Reopen Monday at the Earliest
Significant ocean overwash was still an extensive issue on Sunday afternoon, especially between the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe, and on Ocracoke Island from the Pony Pens to the Hatteras / Ocracoke Ferry Terminal. N.C. Highway 12 remains closed at both locations.
Extreme oceanside flooding was also reported in south Avon near Ocean View Drive, north Buxton, and other locales throughout the islands. Multiple vehicles reported being unable to get through these flooding hot spots, even during the afternoon low tide. Travelers are advised to stay off the road until the flooding subsides.
Sunday night’s high tide at around 9:30 p.m. will likely be equally severe, although winds will subside beginning Sunday night and will continue to dwindle into Monday.
Due to the approaching high tides, it is unlikely that closed sections of Highway 12 will reopen until Monday at the earliest.
NCDOT reports that crews are working with a focus of hopefully being able to open N.C. Highway 12 at least during the low tide cycles on Monday, but it depends on the severity of the tides and overwash.
Max wave heights of up to 21 feet are forecast to continue through Monday, per the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.
Cape Hatteras Elementary and Secondary schools will be closed on Monday, March 5 for all staff and students. All other Dare County Schools will operate on a normal schedule.
On Ocracoke Island, the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter routes are back in operation for Sunday afternoon, but Hatteras is closed due to the road closures on both Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.
For information on travel conditions, visit https://www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12/.
For more information, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather forecast information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
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