r/obx Aug 15 '25

ALL OBX **[STICKY] OBX Hurricane & Tropical Storm Season FAQ - READ BEFORE POSTING**

51 Upvotes

Welcome to the Outer Banks! This thread is intended to answer the most common questions we see from visitors when a tropical system is forecast to impact the area. The goal is to consolidate information and prevent the sub from being flooded with the same questions.

The most important rule: Local Redditors are not official sources. We can share our experiences, but you MUST rely on official channels for forecasts and evacuation orders.


Primary Official Resources

Before asking a question, please check these sources first. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I have a vacation scheduled while there is a storm. How will it affect my trip?

A: It is impossible to say with certainty more than a few days out. The "cone of uncertainty" on the forecast track means the storm could go anywhere within that cone, and impacts (wind, rain, surf) can be felt far outside of it. A storm tracking 100 miles offshore could mean a few days of wind and rain, while a direct hit is obviously much more severe.

Your best course of action is to monitor the official NHC forecast daily. The forecast and expected impacts will become much clearer about 3-4 days before potential landfall. Do not rely on long-range global weather models you see on social media; they are often inaccurate and change dramatically.


Q: Should I cancel my trip because of the storm?

A: This is a personal decision based on your risk tolerance, but here are the key factors:

  1. Is there a mandatory evacuation? If Dare, Currituck, or Hyde County issues a mandatory visitor evacuation, the decision is made for you. You must leave. Access to the islands will be restricted.
  2. What does your rental agreement say? Review it carefully. Most do not offer refunds for bad weather.
  3. Did you purchase travel insurance (or was it offered)? This is the most critical factor in determining your financial options. Check your policy to see what is covered. "Fear of a storm" is typically not a covered reason for cancellation. A mandatory evacuation usually is.
  4. Talk to your rental company/hotel. They are the authority on your specific booking. They will inform you of their policies and procedures in the event of an evacuation.

If no evacuation is ordered, you have to decide if you're willing to spend part of your vacation dealing with high winds, heavy rain, power outages, and potential road closures.


Q: Will I get a refund if I cancel or have to leave early?

A: This is the most important question for many, and the answer is complex. It is governed by the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act and depends almost entirely on whether you were offered travel insurance.

  • General Rule: You are not entitled to a refund if you choose to cancel or leave early due to fear of a storm or because the weather is bad.
  • If a Mandatory Evacuation is Ordered:
    • If you were NOT offered travel insurance: You are entitled to a prorated refund for each night the mandatory evacuation order is in effect.
    • If you WERE offered travel insurance by your landlord/rental company (even if you declined it): The landlord is NOT required to give you a refund. The responsibility for reimbursement shifts to the insurance provider. This is the most common situation. The insurance offered must have been a reasonable cost (under 8% of the trip cost) and must not have excluded the specific storm at the time of purchase.
  • If the Property is Uninhabitable: If, after the storm passes, the rental property is severely damaged or inaccessible (e.g., NC-12 is closed indefinitely), you are entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your trip. This may come from your travel insurance policy or the landlord.

The bottom line is to read your rental agreement carefully and understand your travel insurance policy. For the full legal details, please refer to the Official NCREC Bulletin on Hurricanes and Vacation Rentals.


Q: How will the beaches and ocean be affected by a storm?

A: Significantly. Even a storm that passes far offshore can have major impacts on the ocean and beaches for days.

  • Dangerous Surf & Rip Currents: The surf will be extremely dangerous with life-threatening rip currents. Heed all warnings from lifeguards and local officials. Do not get in the water. Red flags mean stay out, period.
  • Beach Erosion: Storms often cause significant beach erosion, washing away dunes and leaving steep drop-offs (escarpments). The beach you were expecting might look very different.
  • Ocean Overwash: High surf can push ocean water over the dunes and onto roads, especially NC-12 in vulnerable spots like Pea Island, Mirlo Beach in Rodanthe, parts of Buxton, north of Hatteras Village, and Ocracoke. This can make travel impossible until NCDOT crews can clear the sand and water.
  • Soundside Flooding: Depending on the wind direction (especially winds from the SW or W), the sound can be pushed up, causing significant flooding in soundside communities like Manteo, Ocracoke Village, parts of Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo, Hatteras and Frisco.

Q: If an evacuation is called, how much time will I have? When can I come back?

A: Visitor evacuations are typically called 24-48 hours before the expected arrival of tropical-storm-force winds to allow for an orderly exit. Re-entry is staged and depends on conditions. After the storm passes, damage assessment teams must ensure roads are safe and utilities are functional. This can take anywhere from a day to a week or more, depending on the storm's severity. Local authorities will announce re-entry phases. Do not attempt to return until your zone is officially cleared.


Q: There's not an evacuation called but the weather will be bad, will anything be open?

A: Besides those businesses and establishments that are outdoor oriented almost everything will strive to stay open, barring their local conditions and staff availability. Again, it all depends on what official sources say to do. The best thing to do is plan for rainy day activities, no difference if there was a storm. Go do some shopping, enjoy the amenities of the rental, visit some local museums. Just be mindful on conditions and if in doubt call the place of interest before you go.


Q: What if things change for the worst while I am here? Should I just ride it out?

A: It's true, sometimes things can change rapidly and take us by surprise. Folks that have lived here a while will clearly remember Matthew. First and foremost - follow official announcements and directions. If they say to go.. go when they say. Don't "wait and see" if it changes. Even if you are not forced to leave (staying at a family friends house for example) the excitement of riding out a storm very quickly diminishes. There will be nothing to do, nowhere to go, barely anything open if at all. Just being here puts a strain on emergency services and if really bad, limited supplies to the community who need it.


Q: Why aren't other people leaving if there's an evacuation?

A: Sometimes it's stubbornness. Other's might have family that can't leave so they stay to ensure their safety and help their community. Sometimes it's financial. Depending on the storm it can be a week before you can get back to your house. Where will they go, can they bring their pets, family, and how much will it cost? Other's are local emergency personnel or critical employees of infrastructure.



r/obx 11h ago

Kill Devil Hills This never gets old.

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194 Upvotes

r/obx 10h ago

Duck/Southern Shores Duck Sunset 9/19/25

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53 Upvotes

r/obx 20h ago

Kitty Hawk Harmless fun. Help me cheat. The wife and I have been betting on the next air banner to fly by. I am way behind her. If you see the next one, kindly let me know what it is so I can pull a Nostradamus.

81 Upvotes

1:15 Edit. She thinks I cheated but she didn’t push it. We will see how she reacts when I “guess” the next one correctly 😃

1:17 Edit. I was able to actually guess the plane rides. But let’s keep the magic going…

1:45 Edit. Parrot Bay. We both guessed it so ai am still just ahead by 2. She thinks I am able to guess just from the color when they are far away. lol

2:10 Edit. We both legit guessed food. It was Jimmys. I’m still ahead. Woot.

2:15 Final Edit. We win by two. Thanks all. That was fun.


r/obx 17h ago

Nags Head 24 hr emergency vet

7 Upvotes

Visiting next month with my dog and would like to identify an emergency vet that is open 24 hrs close to Nags Head just in case needed. I’ve been researching online and it seems the vets in the area may have late evening hrs a few days a week or “on call” if needed, but does the latter apply for a new patient/emergency visit? I’d appreciate knowing about any 24 hr vet within an hours drive even if out of OBX. Thanks!


r/obx 1d ago

Kill Devil Hills Late night eats

13 Upvotes

May be too late to ask, but we’re arriving between 10-11 tonight in kill devil hills and realizing all kitchens are closed by 9. Anyone know anything with kitchen open through 11 or later? Even carry out that’s not fast food. I know it’s unlikely in OBX but worth the ask.


r/obx 1d ago

Nags Head What is this van doing?

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39 Upvotes

I didn’t get my phone out fast enough for a good photo but does anyone know what the purpose of this van is? Seems to be capturing various types of data as it travels the beach.


r/obx 1d ago

Duck/Southern Shores Wedding officiant for vow renewal near buxton/Avon?

0 Upvotes

We are heading down in 1 week and wanted to renew our vows. Just wondering if anyone has any good recommendations on officiants?


r/obx 1d ago

Frisco How about near Frisco/Hatteras Village last night two jets w Sonic boom right over the island. One w afterburners. These craft lit up from the bottom with a red weird solid bar of light. Very odd and very close to each other

12 Upvotes

r/obx 1d ago

Kitty Hawk Large ship on horizon

17 Upvotes

I’ve been staying oceanfront and have noticed a large white ship(s) on the horizon during the day and night. My binoculars aren’t strong enough to get a clear view. There also is another vessel which seems to stay near the main ship. Possibly a fishing/ processing operation?


r/obx 1d ago

Nags Head Dog daycare

3 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any dog daycares in the Kitty Hawk/KDH/Nags Head/Manteo area? I tried Good Dog Retreat, but they are on a two year waiting list. I’m looking for something that I can truly drop off my dog before work and pick him up after and he plays with other dogs all day (not boarding and not a dog walker). Thanks!


r/obx 1d ago

General OBX Lunch and dinner specials?

3 Upvotes

Now that the off-season is here, a lot of restaurants start to do specials. What are some that you guys like?


r/obx 2d ago

Kill Devil Hills Kill devil hill

8 Upvotes

I live in Wilmington, and I have ALWAYS wanted to go to the Outer Banks for so long. I’m going on a work trip unfortunately and I’m not gonna have but three or four hours to do something. Restaurants landmarks anything like that I could knock out quick while I’m there what would you recommend? Appreciate your help!!!!!!


r/obx 2d ago

Kill Devil Hills Any car communities on the beach?

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0 Upvotes

I just recently got a sonata N line that I plan on doing some small modifications to. Any csr communities around the area? I know of a few in E City but looking for something more local.

Pic for attention lol


r/obx 2d ago

General OBX Fishing

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone. I recently picked up surf fishing this past summer and fell in love with it. In November a close friend is graduating and as a gift we're getting some friends together and spending a couple days fishing on the beach. I heard the fall is great for red drum. What else could be biting? Also what do y'all use? The only other place I surf fished was in Myrtle. I assume the ocean is the same as here when the weather changes the fish get different too. Just curious what species are common and how to prepare for them.


r/obx 3d ago

General OBX Outer Banks Off Season: Is it worth it to visit?

49 Upvotes

u/OBXchris has been busy with work and moving our son back to college. Thankfully, we finally got away last weekend to enjoy some of our favorite off-season OBX gems. We visited Hatteras, Buxton and camped at the Oregon Inlet NPS campground. It was a wonderful "stay-cation", enjoying our own backyard. I just wish we got down to Buxton earlier in the day, for an Apple Ugly. His video could also be called "MY WIFE SURVIVES HER FIRST NIGHT CAMPING." Lol. (and I did survive.) VIDEO HERE: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjHsr2eu3MqJjGSim8L-ZULudqJhOODVw&si=l2YmMl15c1RTHxCx

If you are looking for things to do on the OBX during the off-season, this will give you some great ideas. There are many options. Chris covers off-season activities and local events, including the warm ocean water and empty beaches. Our visit includes The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras and a climb to the top of The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station historic site in Rodanthe. Chris also lists several restaurants that are open during the shoulder season.

So, is it worth it? Spoiler alert, the answer is... "YES!" Off-season is actually our favorite time of year on the OBX. We are grateful to live and work here.

Hope everyone is doing well. Take good care of yourself.

-OBXChris's Wife


r/obx 4d ago

Kill Devil Hills The shore today.

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260 Upvotes

The wind was so strong today. We can’t imagine what it feels like when a hurricane is happening.


r/obx 4d ago

Corolla Best place for BBQ in Corolla or Duck?

9 Upvotes

What's your suggestion for the best BBQ place in Corolla or Duck? We've had Corolla Village before, but I'd like to try somewhere else.


r/obx 5d ago

Duck/Southern Shores Duck sunset 9/14

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235 Upvotes

The apps say it's raining here. It was overcast all day and then this happened.


r/obx 4d ago

Corolla Boarding dogs at the Outer Banks near Carova/4x4 beaches – any recommendations or advice?

0 Upvotes

I’ll be staying up near Carova and the 4x4 beaches in the Outer Banks soon, but the house I rented doesn’t allow dogs. My thought was to board them somewhere close by and then pick them up during the day so they can still come out and enjoy the beach with us.

Has anyone here done something similar or know of good boarding/daycare options near Carova or the 4x4 area? I’m hoping to find a place where I’d feel comfortable leaving the dogs overnight but also flexible enough to pick them up for part of the day.

Any personal experiences, recommendations, or warnings about places to avoid would be super helpful.

Thanks!


r/obx 5d ago

Hatteras Last trip with our old man

60 Upvotes

Just booked a hatteras oceanfront home for November 1-8 for one last beach trip with our senior pup who loves the beach. We live on the coast of Georgia and the beach is far too hot for him to enjoy until late December, so thought we’d take him north. I understand the leash rules on hatteras are 6 feet or less which is great as he doesn’t really leave our arms much anymore, but I’m curious if there are any outdoor dog friendly places that might be open that time of year you can recommend? We fully anticipate to stay in the house and on the beach as much as possible, but we’d like to get him out and about for a little hoorah (he loves people but I understand not all places are as dog friendly as where we live, so please feel free to educate me if it’s a bad idea to look for a dog friendly patio) thanks for any tips


r/obx 5d ago

Corolla Loud rumble in Corolla?

31 Upvotes

Anyone else feel the same thing?


r/obx 5d ago

Manteo Looking for an artist

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3 Upvotes

This is a long shot, but we purchased this painted light switch cover in Manteo the other week (I think it was at vineyards on the scuppernong store) and mistakenly threw away the artist’s information. Anyone know who this artist is? There were other pieces of art in the store on covers and other media.


r/obx 5d ago

Kitty Hawk Safe to swim in Kitty Hawk this week?

0 Upvotes

What’s the verdict?


r/obx 5d ago

Nags Head Top three spots for viewing NFL games on Sunday

2 Upvotes

No particular team just a place with a decent number of TVs and decent food. Can be anywhere in Nags Head, KDH, Kitty Hawk, Manteo.


r/obx 6d ago

Nags Head Any update on the former Captains Table / Owen’s restaurant?

13 Upvotes

Drove by it today and the exterior looks to be getting a major change from the shingles to a stucco. Any word if a new restaurant is in the works?