Gale Warning, High Wind Watch, and Coastal Flood Watch in Effect for Weekend

A gale warning for all coastal waters, as well as a coastal flood watch and high wind watch, remains in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands in anticipation of a combination of windy weather and astronomical high tides over the weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City Office advises that moderate to significant soundside and oceanside coastal flooding is forecast over the next three days. Soundside flooding is most likely Friday evening into early Saturday, while oceanside flooding is most likely later Saturday through Monday.

N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island will likely become flooded and impassable around times of high tide due to ocean overwash and erosion, and islanders should use caution when travelling over the weekend.

Maximum sustained winds up to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are forecast beginning Friday, and will linger and last throughout the weekend. Seas up to 10-20 feet are also forecast through the weekend.

The prolonged period of the winds could lead to significant beach erosion, and scattered power outages are also possible. Dare County Emergency Management advises residents to be ready to protect property from winds and water.

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