As of 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, northbound traffic on N.C. Highway 12 was backed up to at least the KOA campground and was at a standstill as visitors waited for N.C. Highway 12 to reopen. NCDOT reports that crews are still working on both ends of the road closure, and are diligently trying to open the highway briefly before the next high tide cycle begins on Saturday evening. “At this point, there is still no guarantee the road will reopen today,” stated the NCDOT in an online update.
NCDOT updates on N.C. Highway 12 road conditions can be obtained by calling 511, or by viewing the Mirlo Beach webcam online at https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/RegionSummary.aspx?co=28.
Additionally, NCDOT is posting regular status reports on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12/.
On early Saturday afternoon, it was also reported that the Avon Fishing Pier suffered damage from Subtropical Storm Melissa.
“As much as we hate to inform everyone, the storm in the last two days have took a huge beating to our Pier,” stated the fishing pier in an online update. “Yesterday, we were aware of some damage, but when we went through another high tide overnight and early this morning, we have suffered extensive damage to a couple sections on the Pier. We will be opening the first part of the Pier for limited fishing in the next couple days.”
The Island Free Press will continue to post updates as they become available.
