Coastal Flood Warning continues; Minor ocean overwash reported in Buxton
A Coastal Flood Warning continues for the oceanside areas of the Outer Banks from Duck to Cape Lookout, as long-period northeasterly swell will extend the threat of ocean overwash and beach erosion, (especially for vulnerable locations), through the middle of the week.
N.C. Highway 12 remains closed on northern Ocracoke Island from the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry terminal to the NPS Pony Pens due to repeated cycles of ocean overwash. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) stated in an afternoon update that they hope to reopen the highway, (and resume ferry service), on Monday.
The Hatteras-Ocracoke, Ocracoke-Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke-Cedar ferry operations are still suspended as of Sunday evening.
On Hatteras Island, there is some sand and standing water on the highway, particularly on Pea Island, but the highway remains open.
Minor ocean overwash was reported in Buxton ahead of Sunday’s approximate 8:00 p.m. high tide, but NCDOT crews are working to clear the roadway.
Large breaking waves of 10-15 feet are expected in the surf zone for all Outer Banks beaches, and oceanside flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level is possible through early Tuesday.
Ocean overwash that affects N.C. Highway 12 is most likely during high tide, and the next high tide is at 8:20 a.m. on Mondy.
A Coastal Flood Warning, Gale Warning, and High Surf Advisory remain in effect for the Outer Banks. The High Surf Advisory will be in effect until Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.
- For more information on the local weather 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/.
- To get notified of ferry delays or cancellations, sign up for text and/or email alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system: www.ncdot.gov/fins. Users will get notified of any schedule changes directly from the terminal, and can unsubscribe at any time.
- For updates regarding road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on its Facebook page.
