N.C. Highway 12 closed north of Rodanthe
UPDATE: N.C. Highway 12 between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe reopened to motorists at 5 p.m. today, per an update from NCDOT. However, ocean overwash issues are expected to return with tonight’s high tide at around 11 p.m.
Standing water and sand remain on the road at several locations, so motorists should drive with EXTREME CAUTION. NCDOT crews will evaluate the situation at high tide and another closure may be necessary for public safety.
Ocean overwash was reported in several hotspots on N.C. Highway 12 and adjacent roadways with Sunday morning’s high tide, which was at approximately 10:00 a.m.
Overwash was reported in the Ocean View Drive area of Avon, Mirlo Beach, north Buxton, north Hatteras, Pea Island, and northern Ocracoke Island, and overwash is expected in additional hotspots during the next several high tide cycles.
Peak water levels will be similar to yesterday, although impacts could be more severe in areas where dune structures have already been compromised.
Travelers should note that N.C. Highway 12 could continue to be impacted over the next several days, and especially in the following areas that are prone to ocean overwash:
- South of the Basnight Bridge to the Pea Island Visitor Center
- Mirlo Beach area, on the northern edge of the tri-villages
- South of the Avon Pier along Ocean View Drive
- At the north end of Buxton
- Between Frisco and Hatteras Village
- Along Pole Rd., south of Ramp 55 in Hatteras village
- Along the north end of Ocracoke island
The next high tide is around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Dangerous seas are expected today with a High Surf Advisory in effect for all area beaches. The highest waves are forecast north of Cape Hatteras, with peak heights of 8-12 feet.
These conditions will likely bring life-threatening conditions on and just off area beaches, and all beach-goers should use extreme caution along the shoreline. Per the National Park Service, most, if not all, off-road vehicle routes will be inaccessible and should be avoided.
Impacts will continue through Sunday and into early next week. The rip current risk is expected to remain elevated for all Hatteras and Ocracoke island beaches for the next several days as well.
For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
N.C. Highway 12 in northern Buxton on Saturday morning. Video from Cape Hatteras Motel
