NC 12 flooded at Outer Banks amid high surf and coastal flood advisories; ‘extreme caution’ urged

Rodney Overton
·2 min read
NCDOT showing NC 12 at 3:24 p.m.
NCDOT showing NC 12 at 3:24 p.m.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The key highway of the North Carolina Outer Banks is closed in areas Tuesday because of flooding in several locations, the North Carolina Department of Transportation said.

Officials with the NCDOT told motorists to drive with “extreme caution” if they must venture out on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory and high surf advisory with “large breaking waves” up to 8 feet.

N.C. 12 on Ocracoke Island was closed around noon Tuesday between the ferry terminal and the Pony Pens area, the NCDOT said.

Kitty Hawk Police. Moore Shore Road
Kitty Hawk Police. Moore Shore Road

“t will remain closed until conditions improve. Elsewhere, we are seeing soundside flooding in several locations on Hatteras and Pea Islands,” the NCDOT said.

Ahead of the weather, Dare County Schools had a virtual learning day for students Tuesday.

Flooding has also been reported in locations like the Tri-Villages and between the Rodanthe bridge and Etheridge Bridge on Pea Island.

Ferry service has been suspended between Hatteras and Ocracoke due to weather conditions.

In Kitty Hawk, the police department said a section of Moore Shore Road was closed Tuesday morning because of flooding.

A photo from NCDOT showed water over the road after breaking through dunes along the surf.

The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also released this list of road issues around 2 p.m.

  • Just north of Avon, on NC12, there are approximately 2 to 4 inches of water on the roadway.

  • Frisco: In the area of the Frisco Fire Department, there are 2 to 4 inches of water. It is passable.

  • Hatteras: There is approximately 1 to 2 inches of water on NC 12 in the area of the Frisco Bath House. There are a few areas with 2 to 4 inches of water;

  • Eagle Pass and NC 12 and Hatteras Fire Department. All areas are passable. Please use caution when traveling today.

The advisories from the National Weather Service include East Carteret County, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island.

Meanwhile, a gale warning was issued from Cape Hatteras to Cape Fear to 100 miles offshore.

— WAVY-TV contributed to this report

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.