Overwash seen on Hatteras Island, crews work on OBX highway NC 12; storm surge warning from Hurricane Erin

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Some Outer Banks flooding was seen Tuesday and crews worked to improve dunes along the key coastal highway against impacts from Hurricane Erin.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation had several crews out adding sand to barriers along N.C. 12 late Tuesday afternoon.

“There is a very real probability for significant impacts beginning with tonight’s high tide, and worsening through Friday as Hurricane Erin approaches,” the NCDOT said. “Those impacts may include a road closure, possibly for several days.”

However, crews admitted the efforts would likely not save the highway from flooding as a tropical storm warning was issued along with a storm surge warning for much of the North Carolina coast — and especially the Outer Banks islands.

An image from the N.C. 12 social media account showed some flooding on the road and under homes in Buxton at the north end of Ocracoke Island.

Officials encouraged residents and visitors to evacuate Hatteras and Ocracoke islands while N.C. 12 was still open.

Around 3 p.m. Tuesday, N.C. 12 officials released photos of several crews with earth movers and scoop loaders trying to build up dunes along the highway.

“However, given the winds, wave heights and storm surge forecast, it likely won’t be enough,” the NCDOT wrote.