Dare County officials declared a state of emergency and issued a mandatory evacuation order for all visitors to Hatteras Island, effective at 8 p.m. Friday, October 16. The directive comes in preparation for a powerful coastal nor’easter expected to bring severe weather conditions, including prolonged coastal flooding, dangerous surf, and significant transportation disruptions across the region.
The mandatory evacuation order covers all seven distinct communities located on Hatteras Island: Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village. According to local authorities, the order applies strictly to visitors. Permanent residents are not required to evacuate at this time, and the directive does not affect areas situated north of Oregon Inlet.
Severe Weather Forecast and N.C. Highway 12 Concerns
The emergency declaration follows an updated briefing from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Newport/Morehead City. Forecasters warned that the developing nor’easter will bring hazardous conditions, including:
- Coastal flooding reaching 2 to 4 feet above normal ground levels.
- Strong wind gusts ranging from 45 to 55 mph across the area.
- Dangerous, breaking waves measuring 8 to 12 feet pounding Hatteras Island beaches.
County officials anticipate that persistent coastal flooding and repeated rounds of ocean overwash will force the closure of N.C. Highway 12 for an extended period. Because this vital corridor serves as the sole roadway access to and from the island, a closure would effectively isolate Hatteras Island. The duration of any roadway shutdown will depend heavily on the storm’s longevity, the extent of physical damage, and the subsequent repair work required by transportation crews to safely reopen the highway.
What Visitors Need to Know
Weather conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate as winds and rough seas build throughout Saturday, October 17, and persist into Sunday morning. Officials highlighted that the greatest potential for severe ocean overwash will coincide with high tide cycles, beginning Saturday afternoon at approximately 1 p.m.
Visitors currently on the island are instructed to gather all personal belongings and carefully follow the specific departure instructions provided by their accommodations hosts or property management companies. Travelers with upcoming reservations on Hatteras Island are strongly advised to contact their lodging providers to modify their travel plans and must refrain from traveling toward the barrier island while the evacuation order remains in active enforcement.
