Mandatory evacuation issued for Hatteras Island as nor'easter approaches

Evacuation Order and State of Emergency

A mandatory evacuation order was issued Friday night for nonresidents of Hatteras Island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Dare County officials said.

The island is under a state of emergency because officials fear the nor'easter will cause prolonged flooding.

The order, which began at 8 p.m., applies to Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.

County officials posted at noon Saturday that visitors who have not yet evacuated must leave immediately, noting the window to safely depart is rapidly closing as a powerful, long‑duration coastal storm approaches.

Officials warned that defying the order could leave people stranded for days in life‑threatening conditions.

An updated National Weather Service forecast indicated an increased threat from a developing coastal nor'easter, with prolonged coastal flooding and repeated ocean overwash likely to close North Carolina Highway 12 on Hatteras Island for an extended period.

Conditions were expected to begin deteriorating as winds and seas built throughout Saturday, Oct. 17, and into Sunday morning, Oct. 18.

The greatest potential for ocean overwash was projected around each high tide, beginning around 1 p.m. Saturday.

Strong winds of 40 to 60 mph were forecast for the worst‑hit areas of the storm.