Outer Banks Under Double Red Flag: Dangerous Surf, Road Closures, and Ferry Suspensions
By ObxLedger
Published Sep 15, 2025
2 min read
Outer Banks Under Double Red Flag: Dangerous Surf, Road Closures, and Ferry Suspensions
OUTER BANKS, N.C. — Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 — A powerful low-pressure system is battering the Outer Banks today, creating life-threatening ocean conditions and widespread transportation disruptions. Officials have declared a DOUBLE RED FLAG DAY, prohibiting all ocean swimming from Corolla to Ocracoke as high winds, dangerous surf, and strong rip currents threaten beachgoers and travelers alike.
### Travel & Transportation Impacts
N.C. Highway 12 Closed – Northern Ocracoke Island’s stretch of Highway 12 is shut down after significant ocean overwash made portions impassable.
Basnight Bridge Closure – The Marc Basnight Bridge remains closed following an earlier incident where high winds overturned a modular home being transported across the span. Crews are working to remove debris and assess structural safety before reopening.
Ferry Service Suspended – The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry has suspended operations due to unsafe water conditions and continued overwash on island roads.
### Dangerous Ocean Conditions
The National Weather Service and local lifeguards are warning of powerful rip currents, steep shorebreak, and strong longshore currents along all Outer Banks beaches. A double red flag signals that ocean swimming is prohibited, with lifeguards stressing that even experienced swimmers could be swept out by rip currents or injured by the pounding surf.
### Weather Outlook
Sustained northeast winds of 25–30 mph with gusts approaching 50–60 mph are driving the treacherous conditions. Temperatures remain in the mid-70s, and intermittent heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast throughout the evening. The low-pressure system responsible for today’s weather may continue to produce elevated surf, beach erosion, and localized flooding into Tuesday.
### Safety Guidance for Visitors and Residents
Officials urge residents and visitors to:
Avoid swimming or wading in the ocean until flags are downgraded.
Stay off closed roads and avoid driving through ocean overwash.
Monitor local emergency management updates for bridge and ferry reopenings.
Secure outdoor items that could become dangerous debris in high winds.
Use extreme caution when walking near dunes or surf zones, as erosion can create unstable drop-offs.
The Island Free Press and local emergency agencies will provide ongoing updates as conditions evolve. Travelers are advised to check NCDOT NC-12 and ferry division alerts before making plans, and beachgoers should respect lifeguard warnings to ensure their safety.
