Breaking News:OBX outer banks governor Josh Stein announce a devastating news….

BREAKING NEWS: OBX Outer Banks Governor Josh Stein Announces Devastating News Amid Environmental Crisis

Outer Banks, NC — In a solemn press conference this morning, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein delivered devastating news that has sent shockwaves through the Outer Banks community and the entire state. Rising sea levels and unprecedented coastal erosion have forced the immediate evacuation of several islands along the OBX, marking one of the most severe environmental emergencies in the region’s history.

“We are witnessing the direct and undeniable impacts of climate change,” Governor Stein stated, his tone grave. “Our beloved Outer Banks, a place of history, culture, and natural beauty, is under siege from forces we can no longer ignore or delay action on. Today, I must announce the mandatory evacuation of Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, effective immediately.”

According to emergency management officials, the decision comes after a combination of extreme high tides, intensified storm surges, and collapsing roadways created conditions that make continued habitation unsafe. Portions of NC Highway 12, the lifeline that connects the barrier islands, have been completely washed out, cutting off access to key communities.

“Multiple breaches in protective dunes occurred overnight,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Michelle Harper. “Infrastructure is failing. Homes are at risk. We can no longer guarantee the safety of our residents.”

In addition to the evacuations, Governor Stein declared a state of emergency and called for immediate federal disaster relief assistance. FEMA teams are already being mobilized, and the National Guard has been deployed to assist with evacuations and provide logistical support.

Local leaders expressed heartbreak over the announcement. Mayor Tom Jenkins of Ocracoke called it “a nightmare we hoped would never come,” adding, “Our town has weathered storms before, but this is different. The land itself is vanishing beneath our feet.”

More than 5,000 residents are being affected by the evacuation orders. Emergency shelters have been opened in Dare and Hyde counties, but officials acknowledge that temporary housing, long-term planning, and emotional support will be urgent needs in the days ahead.

Environmental scientists have warned for years that the fragile barrier islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Recent satellite data showed an alarming increase in erosion rates, and a string of stronger-than-usual storms over the past two years has accelerated the crisis.

Governor Stein pledged to fight for aggressive coastal resilience funding and new infrastructure strategies in the coming legislative session. “We must invest not just in recovery, but in prevention and protection. The lives, livelihoods, and legacy of the Outer Banks depend on it.”

Still, for many families whose roots go back generations, the future remains uncertain.

“This place is our soul,” said longtime resident Susan Manteo. “We don’t know where we’ll go, but we’re not giving up on the Outer Banks.”

As the state scrambles to respond to the growing crisis, one thing is clear: North Carolina’s iconic coast is facing a defining moment—and the decisions made now will shape its fate for generations to come.

Let me know if you’d like follow-up coverage, resident interviews, or a version suited for a TV news script.