UPDATE: N.C. Highway 12 reopened between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe

October 3, 2022 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

The Canal Zone near the Basnight Bridge at 6:45 p.m. NCDOT image.

N.C. Highway 12 has reponed in between Rodanthe and Oregon Inlet as of 7:00 p.m. on Monday, per an update from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office.

The highway was closed at 4:15 p.m. due to ocean overwash after Monday afternoon’s 2:00 p.m. high tide, and some sand and water remain, particularly south of the Basnight Bridge and near the Pea Island Visitor Center.

Ocean overwash was also reported in the Tri-villages on Monday afternoon, while soundside flooding was reported in Ocracoke, Hatteras, Frisco, and Avon villages.

Rodanthe on Monday afternoon. photo by Brad Hanson.

The Dare County Sheriff’s Office released the following report on road conditions as of 6:50 p.m.

“Deputies report heavy soundside flooding throughout Hatteras Island. Near Liberty Gas in Rodanthe there is about 8 inches of water covering NC 12. From Sportsman Drive to Lovey Lane in Frisco flood waters are about 7-8 inches deep. Water is about 9 inches deep in parts of Frisco closer to Hatteras. Near Frisco Fire Department water is covering NC 12 in the northbound lanes from just south of the fire department to about 1/2 mile north of it on NC 12. Very deep water near Hatteras Marina. Do not attempt to drive through flood waters if you must drive use EXTREME caution. Turn around don’t drown.”

Additional soundside flooding remains possible on Tuesday and Wednesday with inundation of 2-3 feet forecast for very low-lying properties and roadways adjacent to the Pamlico Sound.

A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect for Hatteras Island and the northern Outer Banks until Wednesday, and 2-4 feet of above-ground oceanside inundation is expected to continue in low-lying areas.

Travel on N.C. Highway 12 may be impacted again, especially during the next few high tide cycles. The next high tide is at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

A High Surf Advisory is also in effect due to large breaking waves of 8-10 feet in the surf zone from Duck to Cape Hatteras. Swimmers should remain out of the water due to the dangerous surf conditions.

Strong winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of 45-50 mph are forecast throughout the storm, although the strongest winds are expected to diminish by late tonight.

Ferry service for all Hatteras and Ocracoke Island ferries remains suspended as of Monday evening due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

For updated information regarding road conditions on N.C. Highway 12, follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Facebook at www.facebook/ncdotnc12, on Twitter @NCDOTNC12 or visit drivenc.gov.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or visit the NWS Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.