It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cedar Island, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cedar Island, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cedar Island, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cedar Island, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
N.C. Highway 12 Remains Closed; Visitor Restrictions Continue N.C. Highway 12 remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe as ocean overwash continues near the Pea Island Visitor Center. The Dare County state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remain in effect.With no roadway access to Hatteras Island and limited emergency ferry capacity, no determination has been made about when visitor entry will resume. Visitors with upcoming reservations should not travel toward the island a...
N.C. Highway 12 remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe as ocean overwash continues near the Pea Island Visitor Center. The Dare County state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remain in effect.
With no roadway access to Hatteras Island and limited emergency ferry capacity, no determination has been made about when visitor entry will resume. Visitors with upcoming reservations should not travel toward the island at this time and are asked to contact their accommodations provider directly to discuss their reservation.
NCDOT reports that overwash continued at the Pea Island Visitor Center through this morning’s high tide, with additional pavement damage in the southbound lane. No additional protective dune loss was reported.
Crews continue hauling sand to a nearby stockpile and will begin rebuilding the protective dune when tides allow. Water levels remained too high for that work to begin this morning.
No overwash was reported in the Canal Zone. N.C. Highway 12 remains open and passable south of Rodanthe through Hatteras Village, although standing water remains between Hatteras Village and Frisco. Motorists should use caution and expect areas of standing water on secondary roads in Rodanthe.
Until conditions allow NCDOT to fully assess the damage and determine the repairs needed, there is no confirmed timeline for reopening the closed section of highway.
Dare County continues working closely with state partners to address immediate access needs and pursue long-term solutions for N.C. Highway 12.
Governor Josh Stein announced Thursday that he has in Dare and Hyde counties to support coordination of highway restoration efforts. He also called on the Federal Highway Administration to support immediate repairs and help accelerate long-term solutions that provide more reliable access to the southern Outer Banks.
Emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe continues to provide limited access while N.C. Highway 12 is closed. Travelers should expect limited capacity and extended wait times and are asked to delay nonessential travel.
Entry to Hatteras Island remains limited to individuals who qualify under Dare County’s Priority One, Priority Two and Priority Three reentry categories. Travelers must present the required documentation.
Hyde County residents may use the emergency ferry to travel through Hatteras Island to Ocracoke, with documentation verifying eligibility.
Critical access boarding may be granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent or time-sensitive needs, including medical appointments, procedures or treatments, and other extenuating circumstances. Submit the to apply; approval or denial will be sent by email. Critical access boarding is not guaranteed, and a separate request is required for each direction of travel.
Visitors currently on Hatteras Island may use the ferry to depart but will not be permitted to return while restrictions remain in effect. To avoid potential long waits at the ferry terminal, visitors should leave as soon as possible rather than wait until Saturday or Sunday.
Visitor entry restrictions apply to all routes, including access through Ocracoke via the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.
Ferry boarding is not separated by Priority 1, 2, or 3 designations. All three priority pass levels are treated equally, and passengers holding these passes are boarded as a single group, regardless of their assigned priority level. A valid Priority Pass or Critical Access Pass is required to board the ferry. Passengers without an approved pass will not be permitted to board. Expedited boarding is reserved exclusively for Critical Access Pass holders and designated essential vendors and suppliers. Priority 1, 2, and 3 passes authorize boarding but do not provide preferential boarding order over other Priority Pass holders.
No evacuation has been ordered for Hatteras Island residents or areas north of Oregon Inlet.
For official updates, visit . Reentry requirements are available at . For more information about emergency ferry service, call 1-800-BY-FERRY.
For questions about access and entry procedures, call the Dare County Emergency Management information line at 252-475-5655.
For current road conditions and N.C. Highway 12 updates, visit or follow on Facebook.
For the latest updates from Dare County, visit and follow Dare County Government on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Additional bulletins will be issued as new information becomes available, including updates from NCDOT on road conditions and a timeline for restoring access.
The Cape Point and Frisco campgrounds, along with several off-road vehicle ramps, remain closed. Additional ramps will reopen when the driving routes contain fewer hazards. The reopening of additional ramps will be announced at http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
Beachgoers should use caution near soft, water-saturated sand that may be difficult to walk on, particularly in the Buxton area.
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Ocean overwash was once again impacting N.C. Highway 12 near the Pea Island Visitor Center during Sunday morning’s high tide, marking the seventh consecutive day of ocean impacts along the same damaged stretch of highway.N.C. 12 remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, with no estimated reopening date, as repeated overwash continues to prevent the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) from beginning major repairs.Meanwhile, long lines to be reported at both the Rodanthe a...
Ocean overwash was once again impacting N.C. Highway 12 near the Pea Island Visitor Center during Sunday morning’s high tide, marking the seventh consecutive day of ocean impacts along the same damaged stretch of highway.
N.C. 12 remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, with no estimated reopening date, as repeated overwash continues to prevent the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) from beginning major repairs.
Meanwhile, long lines to be reported at both the Rodanthe and Stumpy Point emergency ferry terminals, where limited ferry capacity is complicating travel between Hatteras Island and the mainland.
Residents who need to leave Hatteras Island for medical appointments, procedures, work obligations, or other time-sensitive commitments should allow substantial additional travel time. Dare County is accepting requests for priority boarding in certain circumstances, although approval is not guaranteed.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office is also warning that coastal flooding and beach erosion could continue through much of the coming week, as unusually high astronomical tides combine with persistent northeast winds and already weakened protective dunes.
According to NCDOT’s latest report Saturday morning, more than 1,100 feet of asphalt has been damaged near the Pea Island Visitor Center following repeated overwash and extensive dune erosion.
The highway has been closed since Tuesday morning, Oct. 20, after a prolonged nor’easter damaged the roadway and destroyed protective dunes along the vulnerable stretch of Pea Island.
NCDOT crews have been stockpiling sand near the damaged highway in preparation for rebuilding the dunes, but elevated water levels and recurring overwash have prevented that work from beginning.
The department plans to restore the protective dunes first, followed by repairs to the damaged pavement, once tidal conditions allow.
There is still no confirmed timeline for reopening the highway or restoring direct road access to Hatteras Island.
N.C. 12 remains open south of Rodanthe through Hatteras Village, as well as on Ocracoke Island.
Emergency ferry service between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point continues to provide the primary transportation connection between Hatteras Island and the mainland while N.C. 12 remains closed.
However, travelers have reported hours-long waits at both ferry terminals, and NCDOT continues to caution that capacity is limited.
The emergency route operates with three vessels on a 24-hour schedule, with each one-way crossing taking approximately two hours.
As of Saturday morning, NCDOT reported that the emergency ferry service had transported nearly 1,200 passengers and 755 vehicles since operations began Thursday morning.
The ferries are also transporting fuel, groceries, mail, and other essential supplies to and from Hatteras Island.
Residents who must travel for medical appointments, treatments, or other urgent needs should plan for substantial delays and consider requesting priority boarding when eligible.
Dare County is accepting priority boarding applications for urgent or time-sensitive medical appointments, procedures, treatments, and other extenuating circumstances. Each request is reviewed individually, approval is not guaranteed, and a separate request is required for each direction of travel.
More information is available through Dare County’s reentry information page.
Regular ferry service between Ocracoke and the mainland destinations of Cedar Island and Swan Quarter was operating on normal schedules Saturday, while the Hatteras-Ocracoke route was operating on a reduced schedule.
Travelers should check current NCDOT ferry schedules before departing, as schedules may change due to weather and marine conditions.
Dare County’s state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remain in effect, and no date has been announced for resuming visitor entry.
Currently, only individuals who qualify under Dare County’s Priority One, Priority Two, or Priority Three reentry categories are permitted to enter Hatteras Island.
These categories include designated essential personnel and emergency responders, permanent Dare County residents, eligible critical business personnel and vendors, nonresident Hatteras Island property owners, and employees of Hatteras Island businesses.
Travelers must present the required documentation to board Rodanthe-bound emergency ferries.
Eligible Hyde County residents may also travel through Hatteras Island to reach Ocracoke with appropriate documentation.
Visitors currently on Hatteras Island may use the emergency ferry to depart but will not be permitted to return while restrictions remain in effect.
Visitor restrictions also apply to travel through Ocracoke via the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.
No evacuation has been ordered for Hatteras Island residents or areas north of Oregon Inlet.
The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office continues to warn that northeast winds and unusually high astronomical tides could produce additional coastal flooding and beach erosion through at least the middle of the coming week.
As of Sunday morning, a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for Hatteras Island until 2 p.m. Wednesday, with 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
A High Surf Advisory also remains in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, with breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet expected in the surf zone.
In its early Sunday morning forecast, the NWS specifically warned that ocean overwash would continue through at least midweek, particularly in areas where protective dunes have been compromised.
The combination of elevated water levels and additional wave action could further damage vulnerable stretches of shoreline and delay repairs to N.C. 12.
These times are based on the Duck tide station and may vary elsewhere along the Outer Banks.
The highest astronomical tides are now expected Tuesday and Wednesday, with morning high tides generally producing the greatest water levels.
The NWS Saturday afternoon briefing forecast moderate oceanside coastal impacts for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands through at least Tuesday. Soundside flooding concerns are also expected to increase early this week, with potentially high impacts across portions of eastern North Carolina on Tuesday morning.
Although northeast winds are expected to diminish by Monday evening, the elevated astronomical tides could allow coastal flooding to continue even as winds decrease.
The NWS also warned of dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents along Hatteras Island beaches Sunday.
Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in Dare and Hyde counties Thursday and requested assistance from the Federal Highway Administration to support immediate N.C. 12 repairs and accelerate longer-term solutions for more reliable access to Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
The declaration followed two major coastal storms in less than a month that damaged the same section of N.C. 12 near the Pea Island Visitor Center.
Dare County officials continue working with state and federal partners to address immediate transportation needs while pursuing more permanent solutions for the vulnerable highway corridor.
For current highway conditions, visit DriveNC.gov. Emergency ferry information is available by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY. Dare County storm updates and reentry requirements are available at DareNC.gov/Storm and DareNC.gov/Reentry.
Ocean overwash was once again occurring near the Pea Island Visitor Center on Saturday afternoon, ahead of the approximately 6:30 p.m. high tide, marking the sixth consecutive day of repeated ocean impacts along the same stretch of N.C. Highway 12.The highway remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, with no estimated reopening date, as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reports that more than 1,100 feet of pavement has now been damaged near the visitor center.Although th...
Ocean overwash was once again occurring near the Pea Island Visitor Center on Saturday afternoon, ahead of the approximately 6:30 p.m. high tide, marking the sixth consecutive day of repeated ocean impacts along the same stretch of N.C. Highway 12.
The highway remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, with no estimated reopening date, as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reports that more than 1,100 feet of pavement has now been damaged near the visitor center.
Although the nor’easter that caused the initial damage has moved offshore, persistent northeast winds and unusually high astronomical tides are expected to bring additional coastal flooding and beach erosion this weekend, potentially causing further damage to the already vulnerable highway.
In a new briefing issued Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office warned that coastal flooding impacts could continue through much of next week, with king tides peaking Monday through Thursday.
Meanwhile, emergency ferry service between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point continues to provide a temporary transportation connection between Hatteras Island and the mainland. NCDOT reported Saturday morning that the service had transported nearly 1,200 people and 755 vehicles since operations began Thursday morning.
However, ferry capacity remains limited, and hours-long waits have been reported at both terminals. Travelers are encouraged to delay nonessential trips and allow substantial additional travel time for medical appointments and other necessary travel.
In its Saturday morning update, NCDOT confirmed that more than 1,100 feet of asphalt has been damaged near the Pea Island Visitor Center, an increase from earlier estimates of approximately 800 feet.
NCDOT crews are continuing to stockpile sand near the damaged roadway in preparation for rebuilding the protective dunes. However, elevated tides and recurring overwash have prevented crews from beginning the work.
The department plans to restore the protective dunes first, followed by repairs to the damaged highway, once conditions allow.
“NCDOT crews will wait for tides to subside so we can start restore the protective dunes and then rebuild the highway,” the department stated Saturday morning.
NCDOT emphasized that there is still no timeline for reopening the highway or restoring direct road access to Hatteras Island.
The department also warned motorists not to drive through flooded roads or attempt to travel around barricades.
The highway remains open south of Rodanthe through Hatteras Village, and N.C. 12 on Ocracoke Island remains open.
This is the second major highway closure near the Pea Island Visitor Center in less than a month. A late-September coastal storm damaged approximately 500 feet of pavement near the same location, forcing NCDOT to construct a temporary detour before reopening two lanes of traffic Oct. 3.
According to the latest NWS briefing, Coastal Flood Advisories remain in effect along portions of the North Carolina coast, as well as the Neuse and Bay rivers, into the middle of next week.
A High Surf Advisory is also in effect across Hatteras Island through Sunday.
The NWS warned that the combination of king tides and persistent strong northeast winds will bring minor to locally moderate coastal flooding this weekend, while wave action along the coast is expected to cause additional beach erosion.
Forecasters emphasized that impacts could be greater on Hatteras Island because protective dunes have already been severely weakened by the prolonged coastal storm.
The latest briefing forecasts moderate oceanside coastal impacts for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands Saturday evening through at least Tuesday.
Soundside flooding concerns are also expected to increase early next week, with moderate impacts forecast Monday and a period of potentially high impacts Tuesday morning across the broader Outer Banks, Crystal Coast, and Neuse and Bay river areas.
Although northeast winds are expected to diminish by Monday evening, the highest astronomical tides are forecast for Monday through Thursday, meaning coastal flooding impacts could continue even as winds decrease.
Upcoming high tides are expected at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday, and 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Additional elevated tides are expected around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thursday.
These times are based on the Duck tide station, and actual tide times may vary elsewhere along the Outer Banks.
The combination of continued overwash, elevated tides, and additional beach erosion could further complicate NCDOT’s efforts to rebuild the protective dunes and repair the damaged highway.
The emergency ferry route between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point remains operational, providing a temporary connection between Hatteras Island and the mainland while N.C. 12 remains closed.
According to NCDOT, the emergency service transported nearly 1,200 people and 755 vehicles between Thursday morning, when the route was activated, and Saturday morning.
The ferries are also transporting groceries, mail, fuel, and other essential supplies to and from Hatteras Island.
However, capacity remains limited, and residents have reported hours-long waits at both the Rodanthe and Stumpy Point terminals.
NCDOT is asking travelers to delay nonessential trips, while residents who must travel for medical appointments, procedures, treatments, or other time-sensitive obligations should allow ample additional time.
Dare County is accepting requests for priority ferry boarding in certain circumstances, including urgent medical appointments and other extenuating needs.
Priority boarding requests are reviewed individually, approval is not guaranteed, and travelers must submit a separate request for each direction of travel.
Additional information about eligibility and priority boarding is available through Dare County’s reentry information page.
Regular ferry service between Ocracoke and the mainland destinations of Cedar Island and Swan Quarter is operating on normal schedules, while the Hatteras-Ocracoke route continues to operate on a reduced schedule.
Travelers should check NCDOT ferry schedules before departing, as weather and marine conditions may affect service.
Dare County’s state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remain in effect.
Entry to Hatteras Island is currently limited to individuals who qualify under Dare County’s Priority One, Priority Two, or Priority Three reentry categories, including designated essential personnel, permanent residents, eligible critical business personnel, nonresident property owners, and Hatteras Island business employees.
Travelers must present the required documentation to enter the island.
Eligible Hyde County residents may also travel through Hatteras Island to reach Ocracoke with appropriate documentation.
Visitors are not permitted to enter Hatteras Island while restrictions remain in place, although visitors already on the island may use the emergency ferry to depart.
The restrictions also apply to visitors attempting to reach Hatteras Island through Ocracoke via the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.
No evacuation has been ordered for Hatteras Island residents or areas north of Oregon Inlet.
Dare County has not announced when visitor entry restrictions will be lifted, as reopening depends on the restoration of reliable highway access.
On Thursday, Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in Dare and Hyde counties and requested assistance from the Federal Highway Administration to support immediate N.C. 12 repairs and accelerate longer-term solutions for more reliable highway access.
The declaration followed two significant coastal storms in less than a month that damaged the same stretch of highway near the Pea Island Visitor Center.
Dare County officials continue working with state partners to address immediate transportation needs while pursuing longer-term solutions.
More information is available in the governor’s emergency declaration announcement.
For current highway conditions, visit DriveNC.gov. Emergency ferry information is available by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY. Dare County storm updates and reentry requirements are available at DareNC.gov/Storm and DareNC.gov/Reentry.
Ocean overwash was once again occurring near the Pea Island Visitor Center on Friday afternoon, marking the fifth consecutive day and approximately the 10th high tide cycle of repeated overwash along the same damaged stretch of N.C. Highway 12.The highway remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, with no estimated reopening date, as continued overwash has caused additional pavement damage and prevented crews from beginning repairs.The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) report...
Ocean overwash was once again occurring near the Pea Island Visitor Center on Friday afternoon, marking the fifth consecutive day and approximately the 10th high tide cycle of repeated overwash along the same damaged stretch of N.C. Highway 12.
The highway remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, with no estimated reopening date, as continued overwash has caused additional pavement damage and prevented crews from beginning repairs.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported Friday morning that tidal conditions remained too high for crews to begin rebuilding the protective dunes near the visitor center. According to Dare County’s latest update, overwash continued through Friday morning’s high tide, causing additional damage to the southbound lane of N.C. 12, although no additional protective dune loss was reported.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office issued a new coastal flooding briefing Friday afternoon, warning that increasing northeast winds and unusually high astronomical tides could bring additional flooding and beach erosion this weekend, with impacts potentially lingering through much of next week.
Emergency ferry service between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point remains operational, although travelers reported extended waits at the terminals Friday. Residents who must leave Hatteras Island for medical appointments or other time-sensitive obligations are encouraged to allow ample additional travel time and consider applying for priority boarding when eligible.
According to Dare County, additional damage to the southbound lane of N.C. 12 was reported on Friday morning. NCDOT crews have been hauling sand to a nearby stockpile in preparation for rebuilding the protective dunes, but elevated water levels have prevented that work from beginning.
The department plans to begin dune reconstruction as soon as tidal conditions allow.
Earlier NCDOT assessments indicated that approximately 800 feet of pavement had been damaged and more than 1,800 feet of protective dunes had been lost near the visitor center. Those estimates were made before additional damage was reported Wednesday night and Friday morning.
No overwash was reported Friday in the nearby and northern Canal Zone, and N.C. 12 remains open and passable south of Rodanthe through Hatteras Village.
However, standing water remains along the highway between Frisco and Hatteras Village, and motorists should use caution on secondary roads in Rodanthe, where standing water has also been reported.
N.C. 12 on Ocracoke Island remains open.
In a new briefing issued Friday afternoon, the NWS warned that the combination of king tides and persistent northeast winds could bring minor to locally moderate coastal flooding this weekend.
Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect along portions of the North Carolina coast, as well as the Neuse and Bay rivers.
The NWS also warned that wave action associated with the strengthening northeast winds will cause additional beach erosion, with potentially greater impacts on Hatteras Island because protective dunes have already been significantly weakened by the prolonged coastal storm.
Although winds are expected to decrease next week, unusually high astronomical tides will continue, with the highest tides expected Monday through Thursday.
As a result, coastal flooding impacts could persist through much of next week, even after winds begin to diminish.
The latest NWS briefing forecasts minor coastal impacts for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands Friday night and Saturday morning, increasing to moderate Saturday afternoon and continuing at that level through Monday.
Marine impacts in the coastal waters are also expected to remain moderate through Sunday before decreasing Monday.
These high tide times are based on the Duck tide station, and actual tide times may vary elsewhere along the Outer Banks.
The emergency ferry route between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point continued operating Friday, providing the primary transportation connection between Hatteras Island and the mainland while N.C. 12 remains closed.
The route operates with three vessels on a 24-hour schedule, with each one-way crossing taking approximately two hours.
However, ferry capacity is limited, and extended waits were reported Friday.
Residents who need to leave the island for medical appointments, procedures, work obligations, or other time-sensitive commitments should plan for lengthier delays and allow ample additional travel time.
Dare County is accepting requests for priority boarding in limited circumstances, including urgent medical appointments, procedures, treatments, and other extenuating circumstances.
Priority boarding requests are reviewed individually, and approval is not guaranteed. Travelers must submit separate requests for each direction of travel.
Additional information and the priority boarding request process are available through Dare County’s reentry information page.
NCDOT also reported Friday that the emergency ferry route is transporting fuel, groceries, and other essential supplies between the mainland and Hatteras Island.
All seven regular N.C. Ferry Division vehicle routes were operating Friday, although the Hatteras-Ocracoke and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach routes were following reduced schedules.
Current ferry schedules and service updates are available through the NCDOT Ferry Division.
Dare County’s state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remain in effect, and no determination has been made about when visitor entry will resume.
Visitors with upcoming reservations should not travel toward Hatteras Island and should contact their accommodations provider directly.
Travel aboard Rodanthe-bound and Hatteras-bound emergency ferries remains limited to individuals who qualify under Dare County’s Priority One, Priority Two, or Priority Three reentry categories.
Eligible travelers include essential personnel, permanent Dare County residents, critical business vendors, nonresident Hatteras Island property owners, and employees of Hatteras Island businesses.
Hyde County residents may also use the emergency ferry to travel through Hatteras Island to Ocracoke, provided they have documentation verifying their eligibility.
Visitors currently on Hatteras Island may use the emergency ferry to leave but will not be permitted to return while the restrictions remain in place.
Dare County is encouraging visitors who remain on the island to depart as soon as possible rather than wait until Saturday or Sunday, when ferry delays could increase.
Visitor entry restrictions apply to all routes, including travel through Ocracoke via the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.
No evacuation has been ordered for Hatteras Island residents or areas north of Oregon Inlet.
On Thursday, Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in Dare and Hyde counties and requested assistance from the Federal Highway Administration to support immediate repairs to N.C. 12 and accelerate work toward longer-term solutions.
The declaration follows two significant coastal storms in less than a month that have damaged the same stretch of highway near the Pea Island Visitor Center.
Dare County officials said they continue working with state partners to address immediate transportation needs and pursue more reliable long-term access to Hatteras Island.
Additional details are available in the governor’s emergency declaration announcement.
For current highway conditions, visit DriveNC.gov. Emergency ferry information is available by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY, while Dare County storm updates and reentry information are available at DareNC.gov/Storm.
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