A powerful coastal storm impacted Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands on Saturday, October 11, 2025, bringing significant ocean overwash and leading to road closures and ferry service suspensions. Residents and visitors faced hazardous conditions as strong winds and heavy rain were forecast to continue through early Monday.
Key Takeaways
- N.C. Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island closed due to heavy overwash.
- Ocracoke Island ferry service was suspended.
- Coastal Flood Warning and High Surf Advisory in effect for Hatteras Island.
- Winds expected to gust over 50 mph along the coastline.
- Water levels could rise 2 to 4 feet above ground on both oceanside and soundside.
Road Closures and Ferry Suspensions
Early Saturday morning, severe ocean overwash led to the closure of N.C. Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island. The closure extended from the ferry terminal to the National Park Service Pony Pens. Authorities did not provide an estimated time for reopening the highway. This closure directly impacted travel for those on the island.
In addition to the road closure, Ocracoke Island ferry service was also suspended. This suspension further isolated the island, preventing both incoming and outgoing traffic by water. Minor overwash was reported in Buxton, while northern Ocracoke Island experienced major overwash. These events coincided with the 11:00 a.m. high tide on Saturday.
Key Details
- Date of Impact: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Affected Areas: Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Buxton, northern Hatteras Village, Pea Island
- Road Closures: N.C. Highway 12 on Ocracoke (ferry terminal to Pony Pens)
- Ferry Service: Suspended for Ocracoke Island
Emergency Alerts and Weather Warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office and Dare County Emergency Management issued warnings for the Outer Banks. They advised residents and visitors to prepare for significant impacts from the powerful coastal storm. The storm developed offshore and was tracking slowly north through the weekend.
Forecasts indicated the system would bring strong winds, periods of heavy rain, and moderate to locally major coastal flooding. These conditions were expected to last through early Monday. Emergency services urged caution, especially for those in vulnerable areas.
"Outer Banks residents and visitors should prepare for significant impacts from a powerful coastal storm that has developed offshore and is tracking slowly north through the weekend," stated the National Weather Service.
Hatteras Island Under Multiple Advisories
As of Saturday morning, a Coastal Flood Warning was active for Hatteras Island. This warning began at 5 p.m. Saturday, October 11, and was set to expire at 8 a.m. Monday, October 13. A High Surf Advisory was also in place from 11 a.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Monday, indicating dangerous ocean conditions.
Furthermore, a Wind Advisory covered the area from 5 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Sunday. Conditions were expected to worsen throughout Saturday afternoon and overnight. Local officials advised oceanfront residents, particularly in vulnerable areas like northern Rodanthe and Buxton, to take precautions to protect their property from flooding and overwash.
Storm Background
This coastal storm developed offshore and was moving slowly northward. While the exact track of the storm had some uncertainty, forecasters had high confidence that its coastal impacts would be widespread and significant. This type of weather event is not uncommon for the Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands known for their exposure to Atlantic weather systems.
Expected Conditions and Hazards
Forecasters anticipated strong northeast winds to continue through Sunday. Gusts of 50 mph or higher were possible along the immediate coastline. These winds were expected to shift to the northwest late Sunday night. Briefly stronger gusts could occur if thunderstorms developed within the system.
Coastal flooding remained the primary concern for the duration of the storm. Water levels were predicted to rise 2 to 4 feet above ground on both the oceanside and soundside of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. This elevation was expected to last through Monday morning. The combination of persistent onshore winds and an ongoing King Tide cycle would continue to push water into low-lying areas.
Increased Risk of Flooding and Erosion
This situation increased the likelihood of ocean overwash, soundside flooding, and beach erosion. Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches were expected across the Outer Banks, with some localized areas possibly receiving higher amounts. This heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low-lying or poorly drained locations.
Officials stressed that travel along N.C. Highway 12 could become hazardous or impassable. This was due to both flooding and sand accumulation. They also warned residents and visitors to avoid vulnerable oceanfront areas in Buxton and Rodanthe. This warning was issued because of the risk of structural collapse and floating debris from previous storm damage.
- Wind Speeds: Northeast winds with gusts over 50 mph.
- Water Levels: 2 to 4 feet above ground on oceanside and soundside.
- Rainfall: 3 to 6 inches, with localized higher amounts.
- Risks: Ocean overwash, soundside flooding, beach erosion, flash flooding, structural collapse, floating debris.
Staying Informed and Safe
Dare County urged residents and visitors to sign up for OBX Alerts for emergency notifications. This service is available at OBXAlerts.com, or by texting “DareEmergencyAlerts” to 77295. Staying informed through official channels is crucial during severe weather events.
For the latest weather information, individuals were advised to visit weather.gov/mhx or follow the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms provide real-time updates and critical safety advisories. Adhering to these recommendations helps ensure personal safety and property protection during coastal storms.
