N.C. Ferry Division to Assist With Evacuation of Ocracoke Island

As Hurricane Maria approaches the North Carolina coast, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division is assisting with the evacuation of Ocracoke Island. Hyde County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all island visitors beginning at 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25.

Only residents, homeowners or vendors with an Ocracoke re-entry sticker on their vehicles will be allowed on ferries inbound to Ocracoke. Priority boarding will be suspended for all vessels leaving Ocracoke. For ferries heading from Ocracoke to Cedar Island or Swan Quarter, all reservations will be canceled and all tolls waived.

“We encourage all Ocracoke visitors to leave as soon as possible Monday,” said Ferry Division Director Harold Thomas. “We also encourage visitors to leave via Swan Quarter or Cedar Island if at all possible to avoid potential issues on N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island.”

NCDOT expects ocean over wash to occur on N.C. 12 with the approach of Hurricane Maria, and worsen as the storm nears the coast.

Evacuation procedures will remain in effect for all Ocracoke-bound ferries until Hyde County emergency officials lift the evacuation order.