Part of Outer Banks cut off for 2nd day as overwash closes NC 12

A section of the only road linking Hatteras Island to North Carolina's mainland was closed through Monday due to ocean and sound flooding as a storm brought high winds and rains to the coast, authorities said. The stretch could remain closed through Tuesday, since crews must clear the road and rebuild washed out dunes.

The state Department of Transportation said that N.C. Highway 12 was closed from Rodanthe north to the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet, or about 13 miles (21 kilometers).

The morning high tide contributed to ocean overwash that breached dunes protecting the road, according to DOT.

It's not uncommon for portions of N.C. 12 to be impassable during a hurricane or other significant storm.

The NC DOT urged drivers to stay off the highway and avoid driving through floodwaters.

Ferries that run between Ocracoke, Cedar Island and Swan Quarter were suspended Sunday due to high winds along the coast. They resumed operation on a limited schedule through Tuesday.

The Currituck-Knotts Island ferries have been suspended due to water levels too low to operate. The Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferries are still suspended due to high winds and elevated water levels.

Images from the coast show floodwaters filling roadways and beaches, making driving hazardous. Waters even reached front doors of some homes.