08/21/2025
Stay alert and safe.
Dare County Sheriff's Office
Public Service Announcement
August 21, 2025
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island remains closed as a result of extensive ocean overwash and multiple dune breaches caused by Hurricane Erin. The most significant impacts have occurred at the northern ends of Buxton and Hatteras Village, as well as along Pea Island located north of Rodanthe.
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are actively engaged in clearing sand and water from the roadway and repairing damaged dune systems. The closure will remain in place until NCDOT determines that travel can safely resume. Real-time travel updates are available at DriveNC.gov or by following NCDOT on social media.
The National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City has advised that the highest water levels are expected to occur with this evening’s high tide, around 7 p.m., so remain vigilant until the storm moves further offshore.
Areas north of Oregon Inlet are open to travel. Please keep in mind that conditions along the beach are extremely hazardous and are expected to deteriorate further as tides cycle and winds shift.
Officials strongly urge the public to remain out of the water and to exercise extreme caution near the shoreline. The combination of heavy shore break, swift-moving water, and strong rip currents presents life-threatening conditions.
Tropical Storm and Storm Surge warnings remain in effect for Dare County, which also continues to operate under a State of Emergency. In addition, the Mandatory Evacuation order issued for all areas of Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A) remains in effect until further notice.
Reentry Permit Information:
When Dare County officials determine that it is safe to return to Hatteras Island, a staged reentry process will be used to facilitate a safe and orderly return for Hatteras Island residents, property owners and visitors.
Dare County's 2025 reentry permit applications are still open and include the following stages:
Essential Personnel (Priority One)
Essential personnel includes essential utilities personnel, government personnel, medical personnel and damage assessment personnel.
Permanent Residents and Essential Personnel for Critical Businesses (Priority Two)
Critical businesses include grocery stores, food distributors, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, property management, building supply stores and hotels.
Non-Resident Property Owners and Non-Resident Employees of Non-Critical Businesses (Priority Three)
Non-resident property owners will also be allowed reentry with a current real property tax bill or property record with matching current government-issued ID or a reentry permit with matching current government-issued identification. Non-resident employees of non-critical businesses will be allowed entry with a reentry permit with matching current government issued identification.
General Public and Visitors (Priority Four)
No reentry permit is needed for Priority Four.
No one with proper identification will be denied reentry. Reentry permits from previous years will not be accepted. To apply for a 2025 Dare County reentry permit, visit DareNC.gov/Reentry.
Swimming Prohibition (Countywide):
Due to life-threatening ocean conditions—including rip currents and extremely hazardous surf and large breaking waves—double red flags have been posted throughout all Dare County beaches by local ocean rescue agencies, indicating that no one may enter the waters of the Atlantic Ocean anywhere in Dare County. This prohibition includes swimming with or without flotation devices, rafts, or other aids. A violation of this restriction is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14-288.20A
Surfing Exception: Entry with a surfboard is permitted. A surfboard is defined as a fiberglass and foam combination at least five feet in length, having a minimum of one fin, and used in conjunction with a leash.
Updates from Dare County Departments, Schools & Municipalities:
Hatteras Island:
Due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin and the Mandatory Evacuation order for all of Hatteras Island, Dare County offices and facilities south of Oregon Inlet will remain closed until the evacuation order is lifted. County offices and facilities north of Oregon Inlet will be operating business as usual unless otherwise noted. Find additional closures, cancellations or changes to Dare County schedules on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Water Dept area affected in Buxton
Dare County Water Department
The Dare County Water Department plans to restore water service to the area located south of N.C. Highway 12 and along Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton [see highlighted area in image] on Friday, August 22, 2025. If conditions remain unfavorable and water is unable to be restored an alert will be sent out to affected Dare County Water customers who are located in the designated area.
Bottled water will be available for pickup at the Cape Hatteras Water plant. Please stop by and ring the front door bell or call 252-475-5990 to schedule a pickup time. The Cape Hatteras Water Plant is located at 50225 Water Association Road, Frisco, NC 27936.
For more information, please contact the Dare County Water Department at [email protected] or 252-475-5990.
Dare County Public Works
Due to impacts from Hurricane Erin, there will be no residential trash collection on Friday, August 22, 2025 for the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon. Dare County Public Works plans to resume trash collection on Monday, August 25, 2025 and Tuesday, August 26, 2025 and will continue to evaluate as road conditions change.
The Buxton Transfer Station will remain closed until further notice.
Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Dare County Transportation
Dare County Transportation will continue to operate as normal with trips north of the Marc Basnight Bridge. All trips south of the Marc Basnight Bridge are suspended until further notice. If you plan to cancel an existing trip on Friday, August 22, 2025, please call the Dare County Transportation office as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule at 252-475-5640 or 252-475-5765.
Special Medical Needs Registry
If you or someone you know has special medical needs and may need assistance during an emergency or evacuation, please complete the online form to register for the Special Medical Needs Registry. For more information, please visit DareNC.gov/SpecialNeeds.
Town of Duck
Double red flags are posted at all Duck beaches today as Hurricane Erin passes offshore through the remainder of the week. Powerful rip currents, 13 to 19-foot breaking waves in the surf zone, and 2 to 4 feet of storm surge make beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel.
Stay out of the ocean!
Duck Surf Rescue personnel are on standby and prepared to respond, though lifeguard stands have been removed and beach patrols by vehicle are not possible at this time due to unsafe conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
If wind speeds increase, lifeguards may need to remove flags from their posts. This does not indicate that the double red flag restrictions have been lifted. The ocean remains closed to swimming.
Soundside water levels are not expected to rise rapidly. Residents and visitors should anticipate a gradual, steady increase driven by persistent northerly winds and remain alert should conditions change. On the ocean side, large breaking waves are peaking today and are expected to cause beach erosion. Significant impacts may continue into Friday as strong swell energy and elevated tides maintain a heightened rip current threat throughout the week.
We urge residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution and reconsider walking on the beach today as conditions are hazardous. Even standing on the shore can be unsafe, as it only takes one strong wave to knock a person off their feet. Please prioritize your safety and avoid venturing near the surf.
Storm conditions can change without notice, and forecasts are always subject to change. We strongly encourage you to review your emergency readiness plan now and remain prepared for any situation that may arise.
At this time, trash collection scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025, will proceed as scheduled. No changes have been announced.
Sign up to receive customized alerts at www.OBXAlerts.com or by texting OBXBeachConditions to 77295.
For more information, visit the Town of Duck.
Southern Shores
Stay Informed: Monitor official updates from Dare County Emergency Management. Dare County Emergency Management is the lead role in preparing for and directing the response to major emergencies and disasters—both natural and manmade—within Dare County. Sign up to receive email, text or voice notifications from Dare County Emergency Management—including severe weather watches and warnings, public safety and emergency-related warnings, such as county-wide evacuation orders—through the emergency alerts system by visiting www.OBXAlerts.com.
Sign up for Town specific information emailed to you via broadcast news at www.southernshores-nc.gov.
Equipment is staged for a quick response, when safe to do so, to any downed trees and limbs so that roads will remain passable.
High Surf Advisory: Ocean Rescue staff have relocated lifeguard stands off the beach. Stay out of the ocean.
Trash & Recycle Collection: There are currently no changes to residential trash and recycling collections scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025 for Southern Shores. Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on the Southern Shores website.
Town of Kitty Hawk
DOUBLE RED FLAGS are posted by Ocean Rescue, OCEAN SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED. As Hurricane Erin moves off the coast, large breaking waves make ocean conditions dangerous. Rip currents today are life threatening, please stay off the beach.
Kitty Hawk Recycling Center located at 4190 Bob Perry Road will reopen Friday, August 22, 2025.
Kitty Bath House will reopen Friday, August 22, 2025.
Water at all accesses will be restored Friday, August 22, 2025.
Ocean Rescue is operating via roving patrol.
Trash collection for the Town of Kitty Hawk will operate on a regular schedule.
Currently, all Town of Kitty Hawk roads are open and passable. There are isolated areas of sand accumulation on NC 12 (beach road) but no breached dunes or ocean overwash. Conditions can change with tide cycles, so residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant, especially in the oceanfront areas.
There are no evacuation orders in place for Kitty Hawk, and currently, there are no travel limitations in our Town. However, any plans to visit the Outer Banks should be confirmed with your accommodation provider/property management company before departure. Please refer to DriveNC.gov to check on local road conditions prior to traveling.
Subscribe to receive emergency weather information by creating a user profile at OBXAlerts.com. Select “Kitty Hawk Emergency Alerts” to opt-in for messaging specific to the Town of Kitty Hawk.
For more information, visit the Town of Kitty Hawk.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
Sanitation: At this time, there are no changes to the regular trash collection schedule for the remainder of the week.
Beach Safety: Double red flags are flying in Kill Devil Hills. Double red flags mean that swimming is prohibited. Ocean conditions will continue to deteriorate, making the water unsafe for everyone. Don't risk your life or someone else's. Stay safe, stay out of the ocean!
Lifeguard stands have temporarily been removed from the beach. However, lifeguards are still patrolling by vehicle as conditions allow. If you don’t see a lifeguard and need immediate help, call 911.
Waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected in the surf zone, with powerful surges pushing water high onto the beach. The time between wave sets is short, meaning water doesn't fully recede before the next wave hits. This creates a very hazardous situation, even for those simply walking near the shore. The mix of strong rip currents, heavy shore break, and fast-moving water can easily knock someone off their feet or pull them into the ocean.
As conditions become more dangerous, we urge everyone to use extreme caution when near the ocean.
Monitor Storm Surge & Rising Water Levels: Never underestimate the force of water. Even a few feet of water can be life-threatening. Don’t attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown! Sign up to receive alerts if water levels in your area begin to rise due to storm surge by visiting www.FIMAN.NC.gov.
Secure Outdoor Items: As you make final storm preparations, be sure to secure all loose outdoor items. Strong winds and flooding can turn unsecured objects into hazards. Some items to double-check include trash and recycling cans, pots and planters, toys, grills, tables and chairs, and lawn décor.
Emergency Plans: During storms, conditions can change rapidly. Be sure everyone in your home is aware of your household’s emergency plan and knows what to do or where to go in the event of an emergency.
Stay Informed: Stay informed and follow guidance from local officials and trusted sources. If you live, work, or visit Kill Devil Hills or Dare County, sign up for official emergency alerts by visiting www.OBXAlerts.com. Additionally, for your safety, it's important to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Make sure at least one can wake you up.
Town of Nags Head
All streets in Nags Head are clear.
Double red “No Swimming” flags remain in effect today and will likely stay up for the next few days. The ocean is not safe. Please stay out of the water and do not put yourself, or our responders, at risk.
The ocean remains very rough, so conditions along the beach are hazardous. For your safety, please stay off the beach.
For more information, visit the Town of Nags Head.
Town of Manteo
The Town of Manteo is currently experiencing gusty North wind conditions, occasionally exceeding tropical storm force velocity. After conducting an early damage assessment survey today, staff reported minimal structural damage and some downed tree limbs present in streets and yards. Manteo Public Works is clearing fallen and wind-driven debris from streets and the public right of way.
The Manteo Police Department reports that all roadways are clear, and no flooding is affecting or expected for Manteo at this time.
All Manteo essential water and sewer services are fully operational.
Manteo sanitation - residential and commercial pickup - is scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025.
The Manteo Downtown Market is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the George Washington Creef Park.
The Manteo Maritime Museum is observing regular hours today (Thursday, August 21, 2025) – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department reported a minimal call volume in the last 24 hours.
No power interruptions have been reported in Manteo. Please call Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 to report any outages. Stay clear of fallen power lines or those that may be low hanging.
Shallowbag Bay is hazardous for boating today – the National Weather Service reports rough waves, N winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt.
Community/Economic Development - Several businesses are either closed or operating with adjusted hours due to Hurricane Erin. Community members and visitors are encouraged to contact businesses directly for the most up-to-date information on their operating status.
If you observe any hazardous conditions, please call 911.
For Hurricane Erin weather information, access the NWS-Newport-Morehead City office, click here.
Stay informed, please continue monitoring Hurricane Erin community updates, click here.
For any additional questions, please call Manteo Town Hall at 252-473-2133, or visit our website at ManteoNC.gov.
Dare County Schools
Dare County Schools will continue to monitor conditions closely and share any updates regarding Friday’s schedule as soon as they have a clearer understanding of the storm’s impacts.
For more information, visit Dare County Schools website.
Stay Informed & Prepared:
Preparedness Information: Visit www.ReadyNC.org
Weather Updates: Visit the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City at www.weather.gov/mhx
Road Conditions (N.C. 12): Follow NCDOT on Facebook, on X at , or visit www.DriveNC.gov.
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on their page.
Sign Up for Local Alerts:
Emergency Alerts: Sign up to receive customized alerts—including severe weather watches and warnings, evacuation orders, and other time-critical notifications—at www.OBXAlerts.com
Beach & Ocean Conditions: Get daily beach condition updates via text by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295. For rip current safety, red flag warnings, and more, visit www.LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com
Dare County Emergency Management will continue to issue periodic updates, with the next update scheduled no later than Friday, August 22, 2025 at 4 p.m.
