The North Carolina Department of Transportation is warning motorists along the Outer Banks to expect portions of NC 12 to be closed for extended periods during high tide cycles over the next few days as a storm system lingers off the Atlantic coast.

Motorists should avoid driving through standing or rushing water and should not drive around barricades or signs, as these are put in place for peoples’ safety. According to NCDOT, most flood-related drownings occur when someone drives through standing or rushing water.   

 

Rodanthe, October 10, 2019. Epic Shutter Photography video 

 

NC 12 was closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe Thursday evening and again Friday morning. NCDOT officials are warning the pattern will continue until the storm moves away. Crews will be working diligently to clear the roadway when conditions permit, but each high tide cycle brings ocean overwash and sand back onto the highway.

 

Even when open, motorists should proceed with extreme caution and never drive into floodwaters.

 

Forecasters expect the system to move offshore Saturday into Sunday.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

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