Dare County Emergency Management - Latest Updates
Hurricane Erin Update: Bulletin #8
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 10:45 a.m.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island will be safe for travel at 12 p.m., and Dare County officials have established a staged reentry process following the Mandatory Evacuation order that was issued due to Hurricane Erin.
This staged reentry process enables those who live on Hatteras Island to return to their residences—and for those who own property on Hatteras Island to check their homes before visitors are permitted to return. In addition, it enables employees to return to assist businesses and property managers with preparing for the return of visitors. Hatteras Island reentry for visitors will begin Sunday, August 24, at 5:00 a.m.
Read the full bulletin below.
Hurricane Erin Update: Bulletin #6
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 2 p.m.
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island remains closed due to severe overwash and dune breaches from Hurricane Erin, with NCDOT crews working to clear debris and repair damage. A State of Emergency and Mandatory Evacuation for Hatteras Island (Zone A) remain in effect, with reentry to be managed through Dare County’s staged reentry permit system once conditions allow. Double red flags are posted across all Dare County beaches, prohibiting swimming due to life-threatening rip currents and hazardous surf.
Hurricane Erin Update: Bulletin #5
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 2 p.m.
Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings remain in effect for Dare County as tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive by this evening, Wednesday, August 20, and continue through Thursday. A State of Emergency and Mandatory Evacuation remain in place for all of Hatteras Island, with N.C. Highway 12 already experiencing flooding and overwash that will worsen with high tide. Double red flags are posted on all Dare County beaches, prohibiting swimming due to life-threatening surf and rip currents, with the exception of surfing under defined conditions.
Hurricane Erin Update: Bulletin #4
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 2:30 p.m.
Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings remain in effect for Dare County, with tropical storm force winds and dangerous flooding expected within the next 36 hours. A State of Emergency and Mandatory Evacuation are in place for all of Hatteras Island, where N.C. Highway 12 is already experiencing flooding and will likely become impassable as conditions worsen with high tide. Double red flags are posted countywide, prohibiting ocean entry due to life-threatening rip currents and surf, with only surfing permitted under defined conditions.
Hurricane Erin Update: Bulletin #3
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 11 a.m.
Dare County is under a Tropical Storm Watch, Storm Surge Watch, and High Surf Advisory as Hurricane Erin approaches, bringing the threat of life-threatening storm surge up to 4 feet and waves as high as 20 feet. N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island is expected to become impassable once flooding begins, and a Mandatory Evacuation order is in effect for all island residents and visitors. Officials urge immediate evacuation and caution for all coastal areas, with residents north of Oregon Inlet also advised to remain alert to rising waters and worsening surf conditions.
Hurricane Erin Update: Bulletin #2
Monday, August 18, 2025 | 3 p.m.
Dare County remains under a State of Emergency with a Mandatory Evacuation order in effect for all of Hatteras Island (Zone A), including the villages from Rodanthe to Hatteras. Visitors were required to leave on Monday, August 18, with residents ordered to evacuate beginning Tuesday, August 19, ahead of dangerous coastal flooding and overwash expected to make N.C. Highway 12 impassable. A Coastal Flood Watch and High Surf Advisory remain in effect, with life-threatening surf up to 20 feet, severe beach erosion, and significant threats to life and property anticipated through Friday, August 22.
Hurricane Erin Update: Bulletin #1
Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.
Dare County has declared a State of Emergency effective Sunday, August 17, 2025, and issued a Mandatory Evacuation for all of Hatteras Island (Zone A), with visitors required to leave beginning Monday, August 18, and residents beginning Tuesday, August 19. Coastal flooding, overwash, and large, dangerous waves up to 20 feet are expected to make N.C. Highway 12 impassable for several days, creating a significant threat to life and property. Double red flags will be posted along all Dare County beaches, prohibiting swimming due to life-threatening ocean conditions, while officials urge residents and visitors to evacuate early and stay informed through official updates.
Bulletin Highlights
Evacuation Assistance: Transportation to a shelter in Warren County is available on Tuesday, August 19. Reservations required by calling 252-475-5640 by 9 a.m. Pets accepted with kennels and vaccination records.
Closures in Zone A (Hatteras Island):
Dare County offices
Fessenden Center
Hatteras Library
Buxton Transfer Station (closing at noon Tuesday, August 19)
Public Health Services: Appointments rescheduled.
Trash Service: Commercial collection canceled for August 20.
For all updated information, please visit Dare County Emergency Management here.
What’s Happening Now
Hurricane Erin—the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season—is intensifying and, while it's not expected to make landfall, it's already impacting coastal conditions across the Outer Banks.
State of Emergency Declared: Dare County is under a State of Emergency as of August 17, 2025, due to Erin’s expansive reach and threat to coastal communities.
Mandatory Evacuation – Hatteras Island (Zone A)
Visitors: Evacuate by Monday, August 18 at 10 a.m.
Residents: Evacuate by Tuesday, August 19 at 8 a.m.
No Evacuations – Zone B (including Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Roanoke Island) at this time.
These orders apply only to Hatteras Island. Guests staying north of Oregon Inlet (Zone B) should continue to monitor updates closely.
What’s Expected: Waves, Flooding & Road Issues
What Guests Need to Know
If You're Staying on Hatteras Island
Visitors: Must leave by 10 a.m. Monday, August 18.
Residents: Must leave by 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 19.
Expect severe coastal flooding, road closures, and infrastructure services to be paused.
Use county-provided transport if needed (call by 9 a.m., Tuesday). Bring 7 days’ supplies + pet records.
If You're North of Oregon Inlet (e.g., Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head)
There is no evacuation order currently.
But be prepared for:
Dangerous surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding.
Disrupted services (e.g., beach access delays, potential sand drift impacting roads).
Monitor local updates and discourage swimming or water access when double red flags are posted.
Safety Reminders
Stay Out of the Water: Even experienced swimmers should avoid the ocean during high-risk conditions.
Stock Emergency Supplies: Water, non-perishables, flashlights, and batteries.
Monitor Updates: Conditions may change quickly.
Plan Your Route: If ordered to evacuate, leave early and follow posted detours.
Stay Informed
Emergency Alerts: OBXAlerts.com
Beach & Ocean Conditions: Text “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295 or visit LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.org
Road Conditions: DriveNC.gov and NCDOT updates
County Bulletins: Dare County EM News
Additional Resources
Preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to keep everything straight. Here are some additional resources that will be helpful for getting all the information you need when you need it.
Major Weather Websites
Official County Websites
Travel Insurance Information
Final Note
We know that a hurricane isn’t the vacation update you hoped for, but your safety is the priority. Please follow evacuation orders, avoid the ocean when conditions are dangerous, and stay tuned to official Dare County Emergency Management bulletins for the latest updates.
We’ll continue to share important information with you as it becomes available.
Stay safe and take care,
Your Seaside Vacations Team
