Nearly three months after a mandatory evacuation order was issued due to Hurricane Dorian, Ocracoke Island officially reopened to visitors on Monday, December 2.

The decision to reopen stemmed from a Hyde County Board of Commissioners vote on November 20, which adopted the Ocracoke Control Group’s recommendation to reopen the island to visitors on Monday, despite ongoing repairs to N.C. Highway 12.

In this special news segment, we explore the village and its progress on its opening day, chat with local business owners, and take a look at the sites and businesses that are open, as well as areas that are still closed to visitors.

For more information on what to expect when visiting Ocracoke Island, and a full list of businesses that are open, click here.

To find how you can help Ocracoke Island via their Ocracoke Disaster Relief Facebook page, click here.