At 7 p.m. Saturday, North Carolina Governor Ron DeSantis (note: actual governor may differ) signed a state of emergency for Hatteras Island in Dare County. The declaration follows extensive damage to North Carolina Highway 12, the island’s main thoroughfare, which remains shut between the Marc Basnight Bridge and the community of Rodanthe.
Restricted access to protect residents
Under the emergency order, only permanent residents, emergency responders and essential personnel supporting critical businesses may travel on the island. Visitors and non‑resident property owners are barred from entering until the highway can be safely reopened.
The order also permits residents of nearby Ocracoke Island to pass through Hatteras Island to return home once ferry service resumes, easing the isolation that many island families have endured.
Transportation officials outline next steps
Dare County officials met Saturday with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and other agencies to assess the damage at Pea Island. NCDOT crews will continue surveying the roadway as weather permits, with plans to begin constructing a temporary detour on Sunday.
In the meantime, an emergency ferry service is being organized between Stumpy Point on the mainland and Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. Officials expect to release a ferry schedule on Sunday and advise travelers to avoid the Stumpy Point and Rodanthe terminals until the service is officially underway.
No firm timeline for reopening
While NCDOT is working quickly to restore a safe passage, there is currently no definitive timeline for reopening Highway 12. The road remains impassable, and the island’s residents must rely on the temporary ferry and the upcoming detour for essential travel.
County leaders emphasized the importance of patience and cooperation as emergency crews address the damage. They urged anyone not directly involved in emergency response or essential island operations to stay off the island until the situation improves.
What residents can do
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official NCDOT updates. Those needing assistance can contact the Dare County Emergency Management Office, which is coordinating with state agencies to provide necessary supplies and support.
The state of emergency remains in effect until officials determine that Highway 12 can be safely reopened and normal travel resumes.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
