Powerful swell from distant low pressure system may impact the Outer Banks
Powerful swell from a very distant low pressure system could impact Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands into early next week, with the potential for coastal flooding in the next few days, per a Friday evening update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.
Rough surf, beach erosion, and minor ocean overwash are expected from Saturday through Tuesday, with the main impacts occurring from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras, starting on Saturday night.
As a result, portions of N.C. Highway 12 may be affected during the next several high tide cycles in areas with vulnerable dune structures. The next high tide is approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 10.
A High Surf Advisory is in place from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday due to large breaking waves of 8-to-12 feet expected in the surf zone. A Small Craft Advisory is also in place on Friday night due to north winds of 15-20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and choppy waters.
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/.
