08/22/2025
Be patient! Please.
Dare County Sheriff's Office
Public Service Announcement
August 22, 2025
A Mandatory Evacuation order for Hatteras Island remains in place, and N.C. Highway 12 remains closed from the Marc Basnight Bridge to Hatteras Village due to ocean overwash.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Hatteras Island until 12 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are actively working to clear sand and water from the roadway; however, conditions are expected to remain hazardous, and additional overwash may occur—particularly around high tide this evening (Friday, August 22, 2025) at around 7:30 p.m., and tomorrow morning (Saturday, August 23, 2025) around 8 a.m.
Based on this forecast, conditions do not look favorable for reentry to begin on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Officials will continue to meet to assess conditions and establish a staged reentry process once NCDOT can safely reopen N.C. Highway 12. Any decisions will be announced immediately at DareNC.gov and via OBX Alerts.
County Assists NCDOT in Pumping Efforts on N.C. Highway 12
Pumping is currently underway between Frisco and Hatteras villages, an area of standing water with little natural drainage locally known as Sandy Bay. The purpose of this work is to remove water that has flooded N.C. Highway 12, making the highway unsafe for vehicular traffic.
Reentry Permit Information:
Once ocean flooding subsides along N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island and NCDOT determines that it is safe to reopen the road, Dare County officials will announce a staged reentry process.
Dare County's 2025 reentry permit applications are still open and include the following stages:
Essential Personnel (Priority One)
Essential personnel includes essential utilities personnel, government personnel, medical personnel and damage assessment personnel.
Permanent Residents and Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses (Priority Two)
Critical businesses include grocery stores, food distributors, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, property management, building supply stores and hotels.
Non-Resident Property Owners and Non-Resident Employees of Non-Critical Businesses (Priority Three)
Non-resident property owners will also be allowed reentry with a current real property tax bill or property record with matching current government-issued ID or a reentry permit with matching current government-issued identification. Non-resident employees of non-critical businesses will be allowed entry with a reentry permit with matching current government issued identification.
General Public and Visitors (Priority Four)
No reentry permit is needed for Priority Four.
No one with proper identification will be denied reentry. Reentry permits from previous years will not be accepted. To apply for a 2025 Dare County reentry permit, visit DareNC.gov/Reentry.
Hurricane Erin Damage Assessment
Dare County damage assessment teams were deployed to Hatteras Island this morning (Friday, August 22, 2025). Preliminary damage assessment counts are as follows:
Rodanthe: 19 residential structures damaged, 2 commercial structures
Buxton: 56 residential structures damaged, 4 commercial structures
The primary impacts are to infrastructure, including driveways, septic systems, and significant debris accumulation.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Visits Hatteras Island, Holds Press Conference at Dare County Emergency Operations Center in Manteo
Image of Governor Stein speaking at the conference.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein visited Dare County today (Friday, August 22, 2025) to assess the damage on Hatteras Island.
Afterward, Governor Stein held a press conference at the Dare County Emergency Operations Center in Manteo, where he was joined by North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins, North Carolina Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr., North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray, North Carolina National Guard Adjutant General Major General Todd Hunt and Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard. A recording of the press conference is available on Dare County’s YouTube channel.
Swimming Prohibition (Countywide):
Due to life-threatening ocean conditions—including rip currents and extremely hazardous surf and large breaking waves—double red flags have been posted throughout all Dare County beaches by local ocean rescue agencies, indicating that no one may enter the waters of the Atlantic Ocean anywhere in Dare County. This prohibition includes swimming with or without flotation devices, rafts, or other aids. A violation of this restriction is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14-288.20A
Surfing Exception: Entry with a surfboard is permitted. A surfboard is defined as a fiberglass and foam combination at least five feet in length, having a minimum of one fin, and used in conjunction with a leash.
Updates from Dare County Departments, Schools & Municipalities:
Hatteras Island:
Due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin and the Mandatory Evacuation order for all of Hatteras Island, Dare County offices and facilities south of Oregon Inlet will remain closed until the evacuation order is lifted. County offices and facilities north of Oregon Inlet will be operating business as usual unless otherwise noted. Find additional closures, cancellations or changes to Dare County schedules on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Image of a map
Dare County Water Department
The Dare County Water Department will temporarily restore water service to the area located south of N.C. Highway 12 and along Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton [see highlighted area in image below] on Friday, August 22, 2025. During this time crews will continue to assess damage in the area. In anticipation of this evening’s high tide water will be cut off at 6 p.m. Alerts will continue to be sent out to affected Dare County Water customers.
For any customers experiencing water loss bottled water will be available for pickup at the Cape Hatteras Water Plant. Please stop by and ring the front door bell or call 252-475-5990 to schedule a pickup time. The Cape Hatteras Water Plant is located at 50225 Water Association Road, Frisco, NC 27936.
For more information, please contact the Dare County Water Department at [email protected] or 252-475-5990.
Once conditions are safe, the Dare County Water Department urges customers to call 252-475-5990 with any information regarding water leaks or exposed water lines.
The Dare County Water Department’s billing office located in Frisco (50225 Water Association Road, Frisco, NC 27936) will remain closed until further notice. For more information, please contact the Dare County Water Department at [email protected] or 252-475-5990.
Should there be any additional changes, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Dare County Public Works
Dare County Public Works anticipates resuming its regularly scheduled residential and commercial trash collection on Monday, August 25, 2025, but will continue to evaluate as road conditions change. The Buxton Transfer Station will remain closed until further notice.
Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
To view Dare County Public Works’ trash collection schedule, visit DareNC.gov/Trash.
Dare County Transportation
Dare County Transportation will continue to operate as normal with trips north of the Marc Basnight Bridge. All trips south of the Marc Basnight Bridge are suspended until further notice. For more information call: 252-475-5640 or 252-475-5765.
Department of Health & Human Services
North Carolina Department of Recreational Water Quality Issues Precautionary Advisory Against Swimming in Ocean Waters near villages impacted by Hurricane Erin
State recreational water quality officials today issued a precautionary advisory warning the public against swimming in ocean waters in and between the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton and Hatteras along Highway 12 on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The advisory is due to public health risks resulting from exposed septic drain fields and pumping of ocean overwash to the ocean surf. Hurricane Erin caused extensive erosion and storm surge in this area.
Wastewater discharges increase the risk that contamination is present in the ocean and nearby tidal pools. Adverse health effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps and skin infections could occur if people swim in these areas, and the public is advised to avoid bodily contact with these waters.
The risk of exposure from wastewater system failures is temporary and should be resolved once the septic tank is emptied and the system is no longer being utilized. The state is working with the National Park Service and Dare County officials to determine when the risk of exposure is no longer a concern.
For more information on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program or to a view a map of testing sites, visit the program’s website, and follow the program’s X feed.
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services encourages you to consider the following information to protect your health after Hurricane Erin:
If flooding occurred:
Avoid contact with flood water. Flood water may contain f***l material from overflowing sewage systems and other hidden hazards such as debris. Do not walk in or play in flooded areas, especially in bare feet or flimsy footwear. You may be at risk for possible infection or injury from flood waters. If you do come into contact with flood water, wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and safe water. Do not allow children to play in flood water areas, wash children's hands frequently, and do not allow children to play with flood-water contaminated toys that have not been disinfected.
If you have a septic system:
Assess your system after the storm. If property is flooded, use water conservation practices until flood waters recede. If your system has been physically damaged or malfunctions, please contact the Dare County Environmental Health Unit at 252.475.5080 to initiate the repair process.
If your home was flooded:
Assure it is safe to enter. Remove mold and mildew. Dry out the walls. Check heating and air conditioning. Assure the building is dry before repairing.
For more detailed information, please visit DareNC.com/StormReady or contact the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services’ Public Health Division at 252.475.5003 or 252.475.5080.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Bodie Island Lighthouse climbing resumed today.
Oregon Inlet Campground has reopened.
Ramps 2 and 4 are open to the public.
Town of Duck
Double red flags are posted at all Duck beaches today as distant Hurricane Erin moves off the coast through the rest of the week. Powerful rip currents and 6 to 10-foot breaking waves in the surf zone keep beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel. Exercise extreme caution on the beach and stay out of the ocean!
Duck Surf Rescue personnel will be conducting ATV patrols along the beach today, with four ATVs roaming the shoreline. Lifeguards are stationed with chairs and umbrellas at the following locations:
Caffey's Inlet
Sprigtail Drive
Barrier Island Station
Schooner Ridge
Christopher Drive
Four Seasons
Plover Drive
Charles Jenkins Lane
Lifeguards will reassess their locations as high tide approaches at 7:54 p.m. Meanwhile, two Surf Rescue trucks are actively working to remove storm debris from the shoreline as quickly and efficiently as possible. Please be mindful and stay aware of lifeguards as they work to clear debris to keep the beach safe for everyone. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
All roads in Duck are open and passable, and no damage has been reported on the soundside as of Friday, August 22, 2025. While the Town fared well overall, some beach erosion has been observed. Town staff will continue to monitor shoreline and soundside conditions in the days ahead.
We encourage everyone to stay alert to changing ocean conditions, which may shift quickly following the storm. Please continue to watch for updated advisories and instructions from local authorities as conditions evolve. Sign up to receive customized alerts at www.OBXAlerts.com or by texting OBXBeachConditions to 77295.
The Town of Duck thanks residents and visitors for their cooperation and patience throughout the storm. Your efforts to stay informed and prepared make a difference in keeping our community safe. As we move further into hurricane season, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and review readiness plans to ensure you and your family are prepared for any future storms.
For more information, visit the Town of Duck.
Town of Kitty Hawk
DOUBLE RED FLAGS are posted by Ocean Rescue. OCEAN SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED as distant Hurricane Erin moves off the coast. Powerful rip currents and dangerous breaking waves in the surf zone keep beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel. Exercise extreme caution on the beach and stay out of the ocean!
All Town of Kitty Hawk roads are open and passable. Areas of sand accumulation on NC 12 (Beach Road) have been removed. Ocean Rescue is operating via roving patrol.
Subscribe to receive emergency weather information by creating a user profile at OBXAlerts.com. Select “Kitty Hawk Emergency Alerts” to opt-in for messaging specific to the Town of Kitty Hawk.
For more information, visit the Town of Kitty Hawk.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
With yesterday evening’s high tide cycle, the Town of Kill Devil Hills experienced ocean overwash at multiple beach accesses. All water has since receded, and crews worked quickly to remove the sand from the roadways. All roadways in Kill Devil Hills remain open and passable.
We’re pleased to report that none of our beach accesses sustained structural damage.
Beach Safety: Double red flags are flying in KDH today due to lingering life-threatening ocean conditions as distant Hurricane Erin continues to move away from the coast. Powerful rip currents and 6 to 10-foot breaking waves in the surf zone keep beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel. Exercise extreme caution on the beach and stay out of the ocean!
Ocean Rescue personnel will be working to reestablish lifeguard stands after removing them in preparation for the storm. We will continue to have a roving patrol present on the beach. If you do not see a lifeguard and have an emergency, call 911.
For more information, visit the Town of Kill Devil Hills.
Dare County Schools
Schools North of Oregon Inlet
Athletic games and practices resume as scheduled
The first day of school will be Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
Cape Hatteras Elementary and Cape Hatteras Secondary
Hatteras schools are closed (Friday, Aug. 22, 2025)
We are anticipating a Teacher Workday before the First Day of School to allow staff time to prepare classrooms
We will continue to communicate with Dare County officials on the condition of roads and flooding, and we will share any schedule updates over the weekend as we have a clearer understanding of the storm’s impacts.
For more information, visit Dare County Schools website.
Stay Informed & Prepared:
Preparedness Information: Visit www.ReadyNC.org
Weather Updates: Visit the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City at www.weather.gov/mhx
Road Conditions (N.C. 12): Follow NCDOT on Facebook, on X at , or visit www.DriveNC.gov. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on their page.
Sign Up for Local Alerts:
Emergency Alerts: Sign up to receive customized alerts—including severe weather watches and warnings, evacuation orders, and other time-critical notifications—at www.OBXAlerts.com
Beach & Ocean Conditions: Get daily beach condition updates via text by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295. For rip current safety, red flag warnings, and more, visit www.LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com
The next update from Dare County Emergency Management will be issued no later than Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 4 p.m.
County of Dare, North Carolina
954 Marshall C. Collins Drive | P.O. Box 1000 | Manteo, NC 27954
252.475.5000 |
Dare County is located in northeastern North Carolina along the Atlantic coast. Dare County stretches along almost 110 miles of shoreline known as the Outer Banks.
