Visitors can enter Hatteras, beginning Friday
Beginning Friday, Nov. 2, at 6:00 a.m., all re-entry restrictions for Hatteras Island will be lifted and ferry service will be available for everyone, including visitors.
The island has been cut off since ocean storm surge brought sand and water onto Highway 12 between Rodanthe and the Bonner Bridge on Sunday, Oct. 28.
There was no entry to the island until an emergency ferry began running yesterday afternoon to and from Rodanthe and Stumpy Point. That ferry has been restricted to residents, essential personnel, suppliers, and employees of island businesses.
However, Friday morning visitors will be allowed on both the emergency ferry and the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry. Entry through Ocracoke requires a trip from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter on the mainland to Ocracoke Island and then to Hatteras on the Hatteras Inlet ferry.
Reservations are required on the toll ferries from the mainland to Ocracoke. For a reservation, call 1-800-293-3779.
The published schedule for the emergency ferry service will remain in place through Friday, Nov. 2. An expanded schedule is being developed and will go into effect on Saturday, Nov. 3. Please check www.darenc.com or www.islandfreepress.org for updated information.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Schedule:
