See the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the U.S. Plan your visit for the fall, when the temperatures are still mild and the summer tourists have left. “There are things we just don't have here,

Hurricane Erin made its closest approach to the North Carolina coast this morning, and Highway 12 is still feeling its effects. The critical highway remains closed on Hatteras Island, as well as on Ocracoke Island.

Hurricane Erin battered North Carolina’s Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway, damaged a waterside motel and swirled under beachfront homes

People who did not evacuate could be stuck on the island for days, with first responders saying it could be the weekend before they can assist.

Officials predict N.C. 12 will become impassable in sections with the evening’s high tide around 6:10 p.m. Wednesday.

NC 12 shut down near the Basnight Bridge over the Oregon Inlet to all southbound traffic as Hurricane Erin makes its closest pass to the Outer Banks.

NCDOT officials said "given the winds, wave heights and storm surge forecast, it likely won't be enough" to keep NC 12 from flooding at the Outer Banks.

Several days of heavy surf and high winds and waves could wash out parts of NC 12, which connects the popular vacation spot to the mainland, the National Weather Service said.

The NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued a tropical storm warning at 1:09 p.m. on Tuesday for Hatteras Island. The following information is provided by the NWS:

While most businesses closed ahead of the storm, some Hatteras Island shops and inns are staying open, providing food and refuge to those unable to leave.