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The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported in its 11:30 a.m. update Tuesday that “the high tide coming in now is severely hampering efforts to reopen Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke today.”

Crews are continuing to work to clear sand and water off the road, however NCDOT has pushed back the reopening time back to 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

NCDOT had initially reported Tuesday morning that crews were working toward the goal of reopening later Tuesday, but it was noted at the time that the mid-day high tide would be a key factor.

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Sections of NC 12 remains closed, Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry service suspended