Nor’easter Damages Highway 12 in North Carolina, Causing Closures
A nor'easter has caused significant damage to North Carolina's Highway 12, with at least 500 feet of pavement broken or undermined near the Pea Island Visitor Center in Dare County. The highway is currently closed between the Basnight Bridge and…
Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, September 24, 2026 —
A powerful nor’easter has inflicted substantial damage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, leading to significant disruptions on the vital Highway 12. The storm has caused at least 500 feet of pavement to be broken or undermined in the vicinity of the Pea Island Visitor Center, located in Dare County.
Authorities have announced that the highway is presently closed to traffic. The closure spans the section between the Basnight Bridge and the village of Rodanthe. This closure is a direct consequence of the ongoing storm conditions and the associated overwash that has rendered the roadway impassable and unsafe.
Highway 12 is a critical artery for the communities along the Outer Banks, serving as the primary route for residents, visitors, and essential services. The damage sustained near Pea Island, a well-known landmark and environmental area, highlights the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to severe weather events.
The extent of the damage, with 500 feet of pavement affected, suggests that repairs may be extensive. The duration of the closure and the timeline for restoring full access to Highway 12 have not yet been specified. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as the storm progresses.
The impact of such closures can be considerable, affecting local economies dependent on tourism and commerce, as well as daily commutes for residents. Further updates on the status of the highway and recovery efforts are expected as weather conditions stabilize and damage assessments are completed.
Story summarized from the original created by WITN Web Team on www.witn.com, see more information here.
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