OUTER BANKS, N.C. — N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island is safe for travel and opened at noon Saturday, Aug. 23, and Dare County will start a staged reentry process following this week’s mandatory evacuation due to Hurricane Erin, officials said.

The phased plan allows residents and property owners to return ahead of visitors so they can assess damage and prepare homes and businesses. Employees may also return to help property managers and critical services get back online.

Officials urge drivers to use caution. NCDOT crews are still clearing sand and water from N.C. 12. Standing water may be saltwater, which can damage vehicles; slow down and give road workers plenty of room.

Heavy rain is expected Sunday, Aug. 24. Some areas remain vulnerable to flooding after Erin. For updated forecas

See Full Page