Ocracoke Island Coverage

'Real concern': Hatteras resident describes washout conditions at Outer Banks

WRAL's Ken Smith spoke with an Outer Banks resident about the poor conditions there.

Overwash, flooding closes NC 12 on Ocracoke Island

The Department of Transportation said N.C. Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island will stay closed until at least noon on Saturday.

Overwash causes damages, closures on Outer Banks

Storms along the coast and a low-pressure system are causing issues on the Outer Banks. On Tuesday, the North Carolina DOT announced all lanes of N.C. 12 on Ocracoke Island will be closed until Saturday.

NC 12 closed on Ocracoke Island due to coastal storm, high surf

As many families prepare to head to the beach for Easter weekend, portions of N.C. Highway 12 on the north side of Ocracoke Island are closed until Saturday.

WRAL staff

NC 12 reopens along Ocracoke Island in Outer Banks

North Carolina Highway 12 in Ocracoke Island reopened Friday after it was closed almost a week due to ocean overwash.

NC 12 reopens in Outer Banks after deadly crash

A 7-mile stretch of N.C. Highway 12 in Ocracoke Island has reopened after a deadly crash.

Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry feeling pinch from less funding

This summer, the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry fuel budget evaporated by the end of the fiscal year. It's operating on a reduced summer schedule.

Budget battle means rough seas for NC's most popular ferry route

The ongoing budget battle in Raleigh is creating waves on our coast.The Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry is usually the state's hottest route, carrying about 250,000 people a year. The route is an economic lifeline to residents in the tiny town. But this summer, that lifeline is on life support.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL Investigates reporter

Tar Heel Traveler: Young drummer strikes a beat on Ocracoke Island

A good musician knows it takes talent, persistence and practice. Dallas Mason has been backing a band since the age of 7.

Tar Heel Traveler: Ocracoke Tram, free transportation service

Ocracoke Tram a free transportation service on Ocracoke Island. Its a a tram that carries tourists to restaurants and shops. But it's more than that, too, giving visitors a great sense of history and appreciation for this sliver of land surrounded by sea.

Tar Heel Traveler marks 2500th story with 200th celebration of Ocracoke lighthouse

May 18, 2023, marks is the 200th anniversary of the Ocracoke Lighthouse. That 75-foot-tall island landmark opened in 1823.

Swarm of jellyfish wash ashore on Ocracoke Island

It's a "jellyfish jamboree" at Ocracoke Island this week after hundreds of cannonball jellyfish washed ashore.

Ocracoke Island community rallies behind popular taco stand

Eduardo is from Mexico and years ago lost everything he had to a miserable economy. So he came to the states and landed at Ocracoke Island. His taco stand became hugely popular, but then Hurricane Dorian hit, and once again he lost everything he'd built.

'Dr. Beach' says NC beach is the best in America

Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a well-known coastal scientist from Florida who releases his list of best beaches each year at this time. Topping this year's list is Lifeguarded Beach at Ocracoke Island, the best beach in America!

First turtle nest of the season found on Ocracoke Island

You might not be the only one planning a trip to the North Carolina coast.

New 'Ocracoke Express' passenger ferry launches for 2022 season

Beginning May 17, a new ferry deemed the Ocracoke Express will be available to transport passengers on a 70-minute trip between Hatteras and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village.

Fuel to be removed from vessel grounded on Ocracoke

The U.S. Coast Guard will oversee the removal of fuel oil from a grounded 55-foot yacht on a Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the coming days, the National Park Service said Friday.

Coastal Review Online

Drone delivery could be the future of disaster relief on Ocracoke

Ocracoke Island's remote location is a draw and a drawback.

Snowy Owl spotted on Ocracoke Island

North Carolina is a long from from the Arctic, but it appears an Arctic native decide to make the flight down for a rare sighting!

Ferry system assisting in Ocracoke Island mandatory evacuation

The Department of Transportation's Ferry Division is assisting with evacuations from Ocracoke Island as the possible impact from Hurricane Isaias approaches.

NC Department of Transportation

Ferry system to increase service on Hatteras-Ocracoke route starting Wednesday

As Outer Banks communities prepare to reopen to visitors this weekend, the N.C. Ferry Division will increase service between Hatteras and Ocracoke to 15 departures per day.

NC Department of Transportation

N.C. 12 on Ocracoke Island to open to all traffic Thursday

N.C. 12 on Ocracoke Island will reopen to all traffic on Thursday, three months after Hurricane Dorian severely damaged the island and its main road.

NC Department of Transportation

Ocracoke tries to heal and reopen after Dorian

Hyde County leaders plan to re-open Ocracoke island to visitors Friday if repairs are done along N.C. Highway 12.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Disaster funding coming as Ocracoke residents call for help

A $230 million recovery bill, with money for Ocracoke School, is set for a green light at the General Assembly.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter