Expect brief delays on N.C. Highway 12 near Pea Island; Soundside flooding reported in Hatteras, Ocracoke

September 28, 2023 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

Pea Island Visitor Center at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday. Photo by Mandy Haage Fuller.

Travelers between Rodanthe and Oregon Inlet should expect brief delays along N.C. Highway 12 due to standing water and sand, as well as ongoing work by North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) personnel to repair the dunes near the Pea Island Visitor Center, per multiple reports.

A dune breach occurred near the Visitor Center on Wednesday night, leading to minor oceanside flooding in the immediate area.

Hatteras village on Thursday morning. Photo by Donna Barnett.

“N.C. 12 remains open and passable, with sand and water on the road around Pea Island Visitor Center,” stated the NCDOT in a Thursday morning update. “Our crews will be working to replace the sand dune that was lost here today, so there will be brief lane closures and traffic delays as we work.”

Soundside flooding was also reported on Thursday morning on the back roads and side streets of Hatteras Village, as well as in Ocracoke Village. Travelers in these areas are advised to use caution and avoid flooded roads, as saltwater can heavily damage vehicles.

A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. on Thursday due to the ongoing king tides and elevated surf, and up to 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level is possible due to ocean overwash, resulting in a minor threat of property damage.

Ocean overwash is most likely around high tide, and the next high tide is approximately 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

A high risk of rip currents is also forecast for beaches north of Cape Point on Thursday, while a moderate risk of rip currents is forecast for southern Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions exist, and beachgoers should stay out of the ocean.

The daily beach forecast at www.weather.gov/beach/mhx includes rip current risk levels, and information about other hazards along the shoreline. In addition, the public can visit Dare County’s Love The Beach, Respect The Ocean website for current rip current risks and additional info.