Pamlico Sound
ferry routes suspended because of coastal storm
The
North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division announces
that it has suspended its Swan Quarter-Ocracoke and Cedar
Island-Ocracoke routes because of a coastal storm. Travelers are
cautioned that other routes may be affected as the storm progresses.
A
low pressure system moving off the North Carolina coast today is
bringing heavy rain and wind. The low will move off the coast and
deepen later today, and bring high winds and the possibility of coastal
flooding through Saturday.
A wind advisory is in effect for the
Outer Banks and Carteret County this afternoon through Saturday. North
to northeast sustained winds of 15-25 mph are expected inland. Winds of
25-35 mph are expected along the coast, and gusts of 40-45 mph are
possible, making ferry travel potentially unsafe.
There is
also a coastal flood advisory issued for Outer Banks Dare, Pamlico,
Craven and Carteret counties. Water levels could also affect ferry
crossings.
Travelers who have reservations or plans to use
the Pamlico Sound routes can call (800) 293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and press 2
to obtain a refund or reschedule.
Those planning to use
Hatteras Inlet, Currituck, Neuse River or Pamlico River routes are
advised to check with the departure terminal for up-to-date
information. The phone numbers are:
The
suspended ferry routes will reopen once it is deemed safe to do so. To
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www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.