OUTER BANKS, N.C.—After Hurricane Erin’s devastating coastal flooding, workers are still working to clear water, sand, and storm debris from Highway 12, a crucial route that passes through the Outer Banks.
Highway 12 Shut Down After Overwash
Due to dunes being broken and ocean overwash rendering substantial segments of the route unusable, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported that NC 12 is still closed from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village and parts of Ocracoke.
According to NCDOT’s Division I communications officer Tim Hass, we have not yet noticed any signs of pavement damage. Nonetheless, there is still sand and water-covered pavement. We won’t be able to reach a definitive conclusion unless we can resolve it.
Oceanfront Neighborhoods Underwater
Businesses and residential areas close to Buxton and Hatteras Village were also affected by flooding. In several places, water rose up to the hubcaps of DOT trucks, and sand covered driveways and the bottom floors of houses.
Donny Bowers, a photojournalist from the Outer Banks, reported seeing water flowing across parking lots, motels, and roadways. A good 300 yards in, I noticed a lot of trash, boardwalks, and pieces of treated wood that were essentially washing in from the oceanside, he said.
Residents’ videos showed homes close to the shoreline being battered by ocean waves and streets that were swamped.
Emergency Response and Cleanup
In order to clear the road, NCDOT sent out a fleet of heavy machinery, including excavators, front-end loaders, and bulldozers, along with about 20 people. However, authorities cautioned that there is no set timeframe for NC 12’s reopening.
In order to evaluate the damage and speak with emergency personnel, Governor Josh Steinis is anticipated to travel to Dare County. A Crisis Cleanup hotline (910-218-1569) has been established by the North Carolina Emergency Management Division to link impacted households with volunteer support.
Uncertainty for Residents and Visitors
Another high tide on Thursday night, according to Dare County officials, might result in further overwash and make cleanup more difficult. Bobby Outten, the county manager, stated, “We have a lot of water over the road. The goal is to clear sand as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to the pavement.”
Conditions along NC 12 are vary, according to NCDOT:
-
Kitty Hawk:
Road passable with minor sand. -
Pea Island:
Overnight overwash and deep sand. -
Buxton:
Sand and standing water on roadway. -
Hatteras:
Major dune breaches with sand, debris, and deep water. -
Ocracoke:
Large dune sections flattened, road still closed.
Lingering Impacts of Erin
Even though Hurricane Erin has retreated to the northeast, the brittle barrier islands are still feeling the storm’s affects. Communities have been severely damaged by high surf, coastal floods, and erosion, and many are uncertain whether vital infrastructure like NC 12 will be safe to use again.
Visitors and locals affected by the flooding or closures are invited to update the community atSaludaStandard-Sentinel.com with their experiences.
