New Inlet facts for kids

New Inlet was a natural waterway that connected Pamlico Sound with the Atlantic Ocean. It was located along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. An "inlet" is like a natural channel or opening in a coastline. New Inlet had been closed for many years, since 1945. However, Hurricane Irene briefly opened it again in 2011.

The Story of New Inlet

New Inlet first formed around the year 1738. When it opened, it created a separation between two land areas: Bodie Island and Hatteras Island.

How New Inlet Changed Over Time

In 1846, a powerful hurricane caused another inlet to open. This new opening was called Oregon Inlet. It was about 11 miles north of New Inlet. After Oregon Inlet formed, the land between New Inlet and Oregon Inlet became known as Pea Island. From then on, New Inlet separated Hatteras Island from Pea Island.

Because Oregon Inlet was wider, more water flowed through it. This meant less water went through New Inlet. Slowly, New Inlet began to close up. By 1922, it had completely disappeared.

New Inlet's Brief Reopenings

In 1933, a strong hurricane caused an inlet to briefly reopen in the same area. But this opening only lasted for a few months before closing again.

For many years, Pea Island was connected directly to Hatteras Island. Then, in August 2011, Hurricane Irene hit. This powerful storm temporarily reopened New Inlet. Once again, Pea Island was separated from Hatteras Island by water.

In 2017, the North Carolina Department of Transportation built a new bridge over the spot where New Inlet had reopened. This bridge helps North Carolina Highway 12 cross the area. They called it an "interim" bridge. This is because they are still working on the best way to route the highway through or around the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.