N.C. Highway 12 closed between Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to ocean overwash

November 15, 2024 | Local News | By: Joy Crist | 1

Pea Island Visitor Center at 7:20 a.m. NCDOT image

N.C. Highway 12 is closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe on Pea Island as of 7:00 a.m. Friday morning due to severe ocean overwash, according to an update from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

“NCDOT will reassess and reopen as soon as it is safe. But forecasted bad weather conditions could keep NC 12 closed on Pea Island for a while,” stated NCDOT in an update.

Additional overwash was also reported on Ocracoke Island, northern Buxton, and the side streets of northern Rodanthe on Friday. Travel is not advised in these areas, especially northern Ocracoke Island where overwash is severe.

All Ocracoke Island ferry services have been suspended as of Friday morning.

At least one house has also collapsed in the Rodanthe area according to multiple reports. The Island Free Press will post more details as they become available.

Pea Island Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. NCDOT photo.

Northern Ocracoke at at 7:20 a.m. NCDOT image

North Buxton at at 7:20 a.m. NCDOT image

Mirlo Beach area in Rodanthe at 7:20 a.m. NCDOT image

A coastal storm will continue to cause soundside flooding and ocean overwash along southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke this weekend, and especially on Friday.

“With strong northerly winds gusting to 50-70 mph expected, move vehicles to higher ground and get stuff up off the ground, better safe than wet,” said Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson.

The strong low pressure system will bring a variety of coastal impacts, including minor to moderate oceanside and soundside coastal flooding with inundation 2-4 ft. above ground level, according to the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City.

“There is potential for rapid water level rises for soundside Ocracoke and southern Hatteras Islands on Friday as strong north winds develop,” the weather office said.

Due to threat of high winds, Dare County Schools have a remote learning day on Friday for students with a regular workday for staff.

“Any staff member who feels unsafe to travel or is facing unique circumstances should promptly contact their immediate supervisor,” the school system said in a news release.

The following alerts have been issued for the Outer Banks:

High Wind Warning, Friday 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., Duck to Ocracoke, Roanoke Island.
Coastal Flood Warning, Friday 10 a.m. to Saturday 3 a.m., Duck to Ocracoke
High Surf Advisory, Friday 10 a.m. to Saturday 3 a.m., Duck to Ocracoke
Storm Warning, Friday 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., Coastal Waters from Currituck Beach Light to Oregon Inlet, Pamlico, Croatan and Roanoke sounds; Friday 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coastal Waters from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet.
Gale Warning, Friday 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coastal Waters from Currituck Beach Lighthouse to NC/VA border, Albemarle Sounds, Alligator and Pamlico rivers; Friday 1 a.m. to 4 p.m., Currituck Sound.

A list of local Outer Banks resources for additional information is as follows:

For information on the local forecast, visit weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
For local water level forecasts from the NWS, visit https://water.noaa.gov/wfo/mhx
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: www.ncdot.gov/fins.