Large amounts of sand reported on N.C. Highway 12 on Sunday morning

1:00 P.M. UPDATE: All Ocracoke Island ferry operations have resumed operations as of noon on Sunday. N.C. Highway 12 is now clear, with a minor amount of sand near the Pea Island Visitor Center.

Large amounts of sand have been reported south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge and across both lanes of N.C. Highway 12 on Sunday morning, according to an update from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).

Some of the sand is ankle/knee deep, per the DCSO, and drivers are advised to use caution if travel in these areas is required. Per several reports, the sand drifts are most noticeable near the Pea Island Visitor Center.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has been notified of these issues.

The Hatteras-Ocracoke, Ocracoke-Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke-Cedar Island ferry operations have been suspended due to inclement weather as of 6:00 a.m. Sunday. Ferry service will resume once wind and weather conditions improve.

For updates regarding road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on its Facebook page.

To get notified of ferry delays or cancellations, sign up for text and/or email alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system at www.ncdot.gov/fins.