HATTERAS ISLAND, N.C. – A major roadway that connects North Carolina ’s Outer Banks reopened on Saturday after days of closures triggered by flooding from Hurricane Erin.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation spent hours clearing sand and debris from N.C. Highway 12, which is now deemed safe for travel.

A storm surge of upwards of four feet, in combination with a new Moon, produced significant overwash along the barrier islands, flooding the highway, especially during times of high tide.

Dare County lifted its mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island and instituted a staged reentry process to allow residents, property owners and business operators to return before visitors are permitted.

Priority 2 and Priority 3 groups, which include residents and business employees, w

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