Ocracoke-mainland ferry operations suspended on Tuesday morning, Sand covering N.C. 12 near Oregon Inlet
1:00 P.M. UPDATE: The Ocracoke-Cedar Island and Ocracoke-Swan Quarter ferry operations have resumed normal operations.
The Ocracoke-Cedar Island and Ocracoke-Swan Quarter ferry operations have been suspended on Tuesday morning due to inclement weather, according to an update from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division.
The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is running as of 7:30 a.m., however, service may be suspended if weather conditions deteriorate. Ferry service for the Ocracoke-mainland routes will resume once weather conditions improve.
According to a 7:30 a.m. update from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), both lanes of N.C. Highway 12 are covered in sand on northern Pea Island, near the Marc Basnight Bridge and Oregon Inlet.
“It is passable, but you are unable to see the lines on the road,” stated the DCSO. “Please use caution when traveling through this area.”
A Coastal Flood Advisory, Wind Advisory, and High Surf Advisory are all in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands due to a strong low pressure system that is passing off the North Carolina coast. The Coastal Flood Advisory and High Surf Advisories are in effect until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, while the Wind Advisory expires at 10 a.m.
Ocean overwash, rough surf, and minor beach erosion remain possible through Tuesday morning, with 1-2 feet of above-ground flooding forecasted, especially in vulnerable areas with compromised dunes. The greatest risk for flooding impacts will be along oceanside areas from Oregon Inlet to Cape Lookout.
Minor water level rises will also be possible for areas adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound, as well as the Neuse, Bay, and Pamlico Rivers.
Dangerous marine conditions with gale-force winds and hazardous seas will also continue through Tuesday for coastal waters from Oregon Inlet to Surf City.
A list of local Outer Banks resources for additional information is below.
- 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.
- 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.
