A nor-easter in May exacerbated already difficult conditions for transportation and businesses that rely on navigable Outer Banks inlets, as officials contend with both federal and private dredge fleets that are stretched thin.
Outer Banks
Cedar Island, Swan Quarter ferries back on schedule
Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferry routes returned to regular summer schedules in time for the holiday weekend, but an ongoing worker shortage continues to make interruptions possible for the Hatteras vehicle ferry route.
Input needed on two Cape Hatteras Lighthouse projects
Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials are asking for comment on plans to rehabilitate the lighthouse and a proposed multi-use path.
Dare rescue officials warn about big holes on beaches
Dare County ocean rescue officials urge the public to keep beaches safe by not to digging large holes in the sand.
Oregon Inlet unnavigable by most vessels: Army Corps
An area of Oregon Inlet along the Marc Basnight Bridge was completely shoaled in, officials said Friday.
Long-delayed Ocracoke passenger ferry gets underway
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s first passenger ferry originally planned for a 2018 launch was christened Monday and has begun making runs between Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Portsmouth Village welcomes descendants for homecoming
More than 400 recently made their way to Portsmouth Island to remember their ancestors while celebrating community.
State officials warn of potentially polluted swimming areas
State recreational water quality officials said swimmers should avoid swimming in waters near exposed pipes and should be particularly cautious in areas of Rodanthe and Buxton.
Officials unsurprised as 2 more Rodanthe homes collapse
After a nearby house fell earlier this year, Cape Hatteras National Seashore superintendent had advised owners of the two beach houses that were destroyed by a coastal storm Tuesday to remove the homes or take other proactive measures.
Storm brings down second beach house, N.C. 12 still closed
Two houses have collapsed in Rodanthe as a result of high surf, and N.C. 12 to remain closed into Wednesday.
Monitor expedition set as marine sanctuary system turns 50
The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Systems will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and a livestreamed expedition begins next week at the first national marine sanctuary off Cape Hatteras.
NCDOT seeks grant to study moving Ocracoke ferry terminal
The state is seeking a grant to study costs and other considerations related to relocating the South Dock ferry terminal for the Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry.
British, Canadian sailors killed off NC coast to be honored
A scaled-back British Cemetery Ceremony is set go on Friday at 11 a.m. but the location may be decided at the last moment, while the ceremony scheduled for Thursday in Buxton was canceled.
Southern Shores to enter mid-Currituck bridge case
As litigation continues on a lawsuit opposing the proposed mid-Currituck bridge, Southern Shores Town Council intends to file an amicus brief in support.
New Ocracoke Express passenger ferry to debut May 17
The new passenger ferry will shuttle visitors between Hatteras and Ocracoke Village through Labor Day weekend.
‘Jug handle’ bridge to open mid-May at earliest: NCDOT
The soonest the Rodanthe “jug handle” bridge will open is mid-May because of damage to one of the bridge’s expansion joints, according to NCDOT.
