N.C. Highway 12 remains open; Ocracoke ferries suspended as of Sunday morning
Strong northeast winds will continue to produce the potential for coastal flooding into early Monday, and large swells, surf, and beach erosion should peak with this evening’s high tide cycle, per a Sunday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.
Significant ocean overwash remains possible for Hatteras Island beaches north of Cape Hatteras, with 2-3 ft. of inundation for very low-lying beachfront areas around the times of high tides.
The next high tide is approximately 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, however, as of 9:00 a.m., the highway was open.
“At this time, N.C. 12 is open and deputies are reporting that N.C. 12 is easily passable by cars,” stated the Dare County Sheriff’s office in a 7:00 a.m. update. “The wind is blowing sand and there is rain, but no overwash. NCDOT is in the area clearing the roadway.”
Travel impacts on N.C. Highway 12 remain possible, especially with Sunday’s high tide cycles. If travel is necessary, drivers should exercise extreme caution. Those in vulnerable oceanfront areas, including the north end of Rodanthe, should remain vigilant and take action to protect property.
Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry operations continue to be suspended due to high winds. Ferry service will resume when winds diminish, and it is safe to do so. For more information on ferry operations, please call 252-996-6000 or 1-800 BY FERRY.
Wind gusts around 50 mph are forecast for the Outer Banks from Oregon Inlet to Down East Carteret through Sunday, although sustained 25-35 mph winds could linger into Monday.
2-3 inches of total rainfall is forecast, with rain tapering off on Sunday morning.
Dangerous seas of 11-18 ft. will continue through Sunday. Mariners are advised to alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.
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/.
