Dare County Declares State of Emergency for Hatteras Island Following Highway 12 Damage

Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, September 26, 2026 —

DARE COUNTY, N.C. – Dare County officials have declared a state of emergency for Hatteras Island due to substantial damage sustained by N.C. Highway 12. The extent of the damage has led to a complete loss of road access to the island, impacting residents, businesses, and visitors.

The declaration of a state of emergency allows county officials to take necessary actions to address the situation and mobilize resources. The focus is on assessing the damage to N.C. Highway 12, identifying the most critical areas of repair, and developing a plan to restore access as swiftly and safely as possible.

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is expected to lead the repair efforts on the highway. The specific timeline for the completion of these repairs and the subsequent restoration of access to Hatteras Island has not yet been provided. Information regarding the exact nature and severity of the damage to N.C. Highway 12 was not detailed in the initial announcement.

The loss of road access poses significant challenges for Hatteras Island, which relies heavily on N.C. Highway 12 as its sole vehicular link to the mainland. This situation directly affects the daily lives of island residents, the operations of local businesses, and the ability of tourists to access the popular Outer Banks destination.

County authorities are working to communicate updates as they become available and to coordinate with state agencies, including the NCDOT, to expedite the assessment and repair processes. Further details on the scope of the emergency declaration and the immediate steps being taken are anticipated in subsequent communications.

Story summarized from the original created by WITN Web Team on www.witn.com, see more information here.

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