Pinga.us
Ocracoke Island ferries suspended as cold front brings low-pressure system to coast
×

Ocracoke Island ferries suspended as cold front brings low-pressure system to coast

Posted: 2026-10-17T23:58:49.000Z

The system that is expected to bring us the coldest air of the season will spawn an area of low pressure off the Outer Banks this weekend that could cause major headaches for days.

Authorities in Dare County are already preparing for the storm. On Friday, county officials declared a state of emergency for Hatteras Island and ordered all visitors off the island. Residents are not being asked to leave.

On Saturday at noon, Dare County officials said, "The window of opportunity to safely leave Hatteras Island is rapidly closing, and visitors who have not yet departed are urged to leave immediately." 

Powerful waves damaged a windshield of a car on the last ferry to Ocracoke Island on Saturday. Credit: Scott Reid (© WRAL)

Before ferries were suspended to Ocracoke Island, powerful waves damaged a woman's car as she tried to board the ferry. WRAL Viewer Scott Reid sent the photo above to ReportIt. The woman, Finley Austin, reached out to WRAL News after the photo was shared on Facebook.

"Waves were so violent in the sound that one broke over the front of the ferry and smashed this woman's windshield," Austin said. "Not a good experience. Really thankful to the woman, Carol, who responded to my horn honking and cries for help as the waves continued to pour into the car."

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, as of Saturday evening, ferry operations from Cedar Island to Ocracoke, Currituck to Knotts Island, Southport to Fort Fisher, and the vehicle ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke are suspended until further notice.

The Cherry Branch to Minnesott Beach ferry, as well as Ocracoke to Swan Quarter, are suspended, with resolution expected in 12-24 hours.

The National Weather Service at Newport and Morehead City forecasts say this storm will last several days and bring strong winds, significant flooding, and dangerous conditions. 

"Given the fact that this is looking like a multi-day event, we just really need people to be patient," said Jamie Kritzer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The evacuation order covers the following areas:

  • Rodanthe
    • Waves
      • Salvo
        • Avon
          • Buxton
            • Frisco
              • Hatteras Village
                © WRAL

                Once the low spins up, the surf will get churned up and batter the Outer Banks and coast for most of next week, the way things look now.

                We're looking at another situation where coastal flooding, up to 50 mph gusts, and major beach erosion will cause issues for residents up and down our coast, but especially in the Outer Banks.

                Overwash is expected along Highway 12, and the most vulnerable parts may be inundated, especially during high tides.

                If this storm lasts several days, more significant overwash will reach vulnerable oceanfront areas through multiple high tide cycles through next week.

                We may also see a loss of homes in the Outer Banks.