Coastal Flood Warning issued for the Outer Banks starting Monday

The Outer Banks are expected to experience coastal flooding, gusty winds, possible ocean overwash, and hazardous marine conditions beginning midday Monday, October 3, and lasting through Wednesday, October 5, as a result of a coastal low that will impact our area.

The National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City has issued a Coastal Flood Warning, as well as a Coastal Flood Advisory, Wind Advisory, and High Surf Advisory.  Gale Warnings are also in place for our coastal waters.

The Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from noon on Monday, October 3 through 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, with 2 to 4 feet of above-ground oceanside inundation expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Vulnerable oceanfront areas are most at risk and residents and visitors in those areas should be ready to take action to protect property.

Ocean overwash should be expected at vulnerable beachfront properties and roadways around the time of high tide beginning Monday, October 3, and persisting into Wednesday, October 5.  N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island may see ocean overwash that impacts travel.  Oceanfront properties on the north end of Rodanthe that have experienced overwash are particularly vulnerable. Residents and visitors in this area should be prepared for significant additional flooding.

The Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect from noon Monday, October 3 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5 with 1 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level possible in very low-lying areas and roads adjacent to the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.

The Wind Advisory says to expect north winds of 25 to 35 m.p.h. with gusts up to 45 m.p.h. from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3.

The High Surf Advisory is set for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 3 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, with large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet expected in the surf zone from Duck to Cape Hatteras. Ocean conditions will become unsafe for swimming. Mariners should be aware of the Gale Warning that is in place for ocean and sound waters.

Dare County Emergency Management strongly encourages everyone in Dare County to keep up with the most up-to-date weather information via the National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City at www.weather.gov/mhx and share the potential impacts with those that are visiting our community.

For updated information regarding road conditions on N.C. Highway 12, follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Facebook at www.facebook/ncdotnc12, on Twitter @NCDOTNC12 or visit drivenc.gov.

Have a NOAA weather radio, a mobile device with emergency alerts turned on or another means to receive National Weather Service alerts so that you receive and are able to take action should further watches and warnings be issued.

To sign up to receive the latest emergency alerts issued by Dare County—including severe weather watches and warnings—visit www.OBXAlerts.com, text DareEmergencyAlerts to 77295, or click the button below.