RALEIGH, N.C. — State transportation officials are strongly advising coastal North Carolina residents to stay off the roads from late Wednesday through the end of the week as Hurricane Erin threatens to bring dangerous travel conditions to the region.
Storm Expected to Bring Hazardous Conditions
While Hurricane Erin is not forecast to make landfall on the East Coast, heavy rain and wind from the storm’s western edge could cause significant flooding and damage to coastal bridges and roadways. Officials are particularly concerned about N.C. 12, the primary highway serving the Outer Banks, which could face severe impacts from the approaching weather system.
As of Wednesday morning, NCDOT reported no road closures directly attributed to Hurricane Erin. N.C. 12 remained passable, though some sections already showed signs of sand and water accumulation. However, forecasters predict the worst of Erin’s tropical storm-force winds will reach the coast late Wednesday and Thursday.
Transportation Secretary Issues Warning
“We have crews ready and are prepared for whatever Erin brings us,” said state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “But we are urging people along the coast to stay home until the storm passes and it’s safe to travel again. Much of the storm will remain out to sea, but even the outer bands of Erin could still pack quite a punch. People need to take this storm seriously.”
Hopkins emphasized the deadly risks of flood-related travel, noting that most flood-related drownings in the United States occur when individuals attempt to drive through floodwaters, according to the National Weather Service. He strongly cautioned against driving through flooded roads or attempting to bypass barricades and road-closure signs, which are positioned to protect public safety.
Ferry Services Suspended, Evacuations Continue
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division suspended ferry service from Ocracoke Island across the Pamlico Sound following its 11 a.m. Wednesday departure to Swan Quarter. Ferry service from Ocracoke to Hatteras will continue as weather conditions permit.
Since Sunday evening, when Hyde County officials issued a mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island, state ferry services have played a crucial role in evacuation efforts. As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, the three ferry routes serving Ocracoke Island had successfully evacuated more than 2,263 people and 1,113 vehicles to the mainland.
The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, which operates between the village of Ocracoke and Hatteras Island, had its service suspended on Monday until further notice.
Comprehensive Storm Preparations Underway
NCDOT highway crews have spent the week implementing preventive measures using heavy equipment including front-end loaders and bulldozers to reinforce dunes protecting N.C. 12 in areas historically vulnerable to storm overwash.
Beyond the primary coastal highway, officials warn that heavy rainfall is expected to impact secondary roads throughout coastal areas, potentially making travel inaccessible for several days.
The transportation department has mobilized extensive resources for storm response, including:
- Hundreds of chainsaws, trucks, backhoes, and front-end loaders
- Road closure and high-water warning signs and barricades
- Pre-positioned equipment at locations prone to flooding based on previous storm patterns
- Crews prepared to work around-the-clock shifts for road assessment, signage installation, and debris removal
Travel Information Resources
NCDOT officials urge residents to check DriveNC.gov for real-time travel updates related to Hurricane Erin before venturing out. The website features a “Hurricane Erin” toggle function that will display storm-related road impacts as they develop.
For ongoing updates, residents can visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media platforms.
Crews are prepared to work continuously to assess infrastructure, deploy warning systems, and coordinate with utility companies to clear downed trees and debris, enabling road reopening as quickly and safely as possible.
