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August 17, 2025
The Hyde County Board of Commissioners enacted a State of Emergency for Ocracoke Island effective at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, due to the anticipated flooding impacts from Hurricane Erin and potential impacts to Hwy 12. Additionally, a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for visitors starting at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, and for residents starting at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
While Hurricane Erin is expected to stay well off our coast, the system will continue to increase in size and is forecast to bring life-threatening impacts to the Ocracoke coastline and render Highway 12 impassable.
A Coastal Flood Watch has already been issued for Ocracoke. Coastal flooding and ocean overwash are expected to begin as early as Tuesday and continue through Thursday. Dangerous waves, 20+ feet, will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures along the highway. Portions of Highway 12 on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands will likely be impassable for several days. Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions are expected. Rip current risks will be extremely high! Stay out of the water!
Now is the time to make final preparations, secure property, and evacuate with all personal belongings.
It is extremely likely that Hyde County EMS services will not be available in Ocracoke due to Highway 12 being inaccessible. Please take this warning seriously, especially if you have medical issues or are likely to need special care.
Hyde County Emergency Services will continue to monitor the forecast and issue advisories as appropriate. For the most current and official information, visit the latest NWS Morehead City Briefing by going to http://weather.gov/media/mhx/LatestBriefing.pdf
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