Evacuation Lifted for Hatteras Island Beginning at 1 p.m.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, there will be unrestricted access to Hatteras Island. At that time, visitors may return to all Hatteras Island villages including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. Be sure to call your accommodations provider in advance to confirm reservations and check-in details.
There are still pockets of sand and water remaining along Highway 12 and on some side roads. It will be necessary for NCDOT to maintain traffic control points along portions of Highway 12 to enable crews to continue working to clear roads. This will limit traffic to one lane in some areas, and travelers should expect delays and proceed with extreme caution.
Maria caused soundside and oceanside flooding all along Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, and standing saltwater is still an issue on multiple sections of Highway 12. Visitors are urged to use caution and drive slowly through these sections, as saltwater can cause permanent damage to vehicles. A state of emergency remains in effect, and includes motor vehicle speed restrictions on flooded roads.
Dangerous surf and rip currents will remain in the area through the weekend. Stay out of the ocean – conditions are unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers. For updated forecasts from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/mhx.
