2:15 PM UPDATE: NC Highway 12 has reopened between Rodanthe and Oregon Inlet on Hatteras Island as of Friday at 2 p.m. Salt water and sand remain on the highway and travelers are advised to slow down, use caution and look out to the north Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) personnel as they continue to clear the road.

NC Highway 12 will be closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe on Pea Island as of 7 a.m. Friday due to severe ocean flooding, according to an update from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

“NCDOT will reassess and reopen as soon as it is safe. However, forecast inclement weather conditions could keep NC 12 closed on Pea Island for a period of time,” NCDOT said in an update.

Additional flooding was also reported Friday on Ocracoke Island, north Buxton and the side streets of north Rodanthe. N.C. Highway 12 is also closed on northern Ocracoke Island, between the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry terminal and the National Park Service pony pens.

All ferry services on Ocracoke Island have been suspended as of Friday morning.

At least one house also collapsed in the Rodanthe area, according to multiple reports. The Island Free Press will publish more details as they become available.

A coastal storm will continue to cause coastal flooding along southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke this weekend, and especially on Friday.

“With strong northerly winds of up to 50-70 mph expected, vehicles should be moved to higher ground and items off the ground, better safe than wet,” said Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson.

According to the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City, the strong low pressure system will bring a variety of coastal impacts, including minor to moderate coastal flooding on the ocean side and coastal flooding of 6 to 1.2 meters above ground level.

“There is potential for a rapid rise in water levels for Ocracoke and the southern Hatteras Islands on Friday if strong northerly winds develop,” the weather bureau said.

Due to the threat of high winds, Dare County Schools will have a remote learning day for students on Friday, with a regular work day for staff.

“Any staff member who feels unsafe to travel or is facing unique circumstances should contact their immediate supervisor immediately,” the school system said in a news release.

The following warnings have been issued for the Outer Banks:

• High Wind Warning, Friday from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., Duck to Ocracoke, Roanoke Island.
• Coastal Flood Warning, Friday 10 a.m. to Saturday 3 a.m., Duck to Ocracoke
• High Surf Advisory, Friday 10 a.m. to Saturday 3 a.m., Duck to Ocracoke
• Gale Warning, Friday 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., coastal waters from Currituck Beach Light to Oregon Inlet, Pamlico, Croatan and Roanoke sounds; Friday 5am to 4pm, coastal waters from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet.
• Gale Warning, Friday 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., coastal waters from Currituck Beach Lighthouse to NC/VA border, Albemarle Sounds, Alligator and Pamlico rivers; Friday 1pm to 4pm, Currituck Sound.

A list of local Outer Banks resources for additional information is as follows: