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.
