Highway 12 Closure Cuts Off Hatteras Island Access Amid Storm Damage
Highway 12, the primary access route to Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, has been closed due to significant pavement damage caused by a recent coastal storm. Approximately 500 feet of the highway is affected, with sections…
Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, September 26, 2026 —
Highway 12, the sole vehicular access point to Hatteras Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, has been closed following damage from a recent coastal storm. The closure has effectively severed all road access to and from the island.
The affected section of Highway 12 spans approximately 500 feet. Reports indicate that parts of the roadway are now submerged, rendering it impassable. The extensive pavement damage is attributed to the impacts of a recent coastal storm.
As a result of the closure, residents and visitors are currently unable to travel to or from Hatteras Island by road. The full extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs remain under assessment. Information regarding the specific dates of the storm or the expected duration of the closure has not yet been provided.
Highway 12 serves as a critical transportation link for the communities located on Hatteras Island, including villages such as Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. The isolation impacts daily life for residents and disrupts tourism, a significant economic driver for the region. Further details on emergency access, potential alternative transportation, or the scope of the required repairs are expected to be released as the situation develops.
Story summarized from the original created by WITN Web Team on www.witn.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
