Dare County Orders Visitor Evacuation on Hatteras Island Ahead of Coastal Storm

Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, October 16, 2026 —

Dare County has ordered a mandatory evacuation for all visitors on Hatteras Island, effective Friday night, as an expected coastal storm could bring significant flooding and close N.C. Highway 12.

The order covers visitors in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village. The county’s directive, as described in the available information, applies to visitors; details about any separate instructions for residents were not provided.

The storm is expected to pose a risk of significant flooding. It could also lead to the closure of N.C. Highway 12, a potential disruption identified alongside the evacuation order. The available information does not specify when the storm is expected to arrive, how long the evacuation will remain in effect, or whether a highway closure has been announced.

The exact calendar date meant by “Friday night” was not provided. No additional details were available about evacuation procedures, travel arrangements, shelters, or the source of the storm forecast. The county’s order applies to visitors across the named Hatteras Island communities, but the information provided does not describe how enforcement or departures will be handled.

For now, the stated basis for the order is the possibility of storm-related flooding and a closure of N.C. Highway 12. Whether either impact occurs, and what further instructions may follow, was not included in the information available.

Story summarized from the original created by Web Staff on www.wtkr.com, see more information here.