Coastal Flood Advisory in effect; Hatteras and Ocracoke ferry operations suspended

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until 3 p.m. on Monday for the soundside Outer Banks and adjacent tidal creeks, per a Monday morning update from the National Weather Service.

Minor soundside flooding is possible throughout Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, and one to two feet of inundation above ground level is forecast in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.

The North Carolina ferry system announced on Monday morning that all Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry operations have been temporarily suspended due to high winds, and the Pamlico Sound routes between Ocracoke and Swan Quarter / Cedar Island have also canceled their Monday morning runs due to the weather.

Some ocean overwash was reported on N.C. Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island on Sunday evening, however, the roadway was cleared by Sunday night and N.C. Highway 12 remains open and passable throughout as of 8:00 a.m. on Monday. The public is advised to drive carefully and slow down, as blowing sand remains on the roadway in multiple locations.

With a strong high pressure building over the region today, sunny skies are expected, but temperatures will be below normal with highs in the 50s. Winds will start to diminish by Monday afternoon, however, cold temperatures will linger, and frost and some freezing temperatures are possible inland tonight.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.