Soundside Flooding Reported Throughout Hatteras Island By JOY CRIST

Soundside flooding was reported at multiple spots throughout Hatteras Island as a forecasted weekend nor’easter began to impact the area.

As of 8:30 a.m., flooding was reported in Hatteras village, north Avon, and the tri-villages, with some saltwater already overflowing onto N.C. Highway 12.  

Highway 12 in between Avon and Buxton was starting to be affected as well, as sound waters battered the edge of the highway. Rising waters were also reported on N.C. Highway 12 in between Avon and Salvo.

Soundside flooding will continue through Friday and Saturday, with a possible inundation of 2-3 feet of water above ground, while oceanside flooding is most likely later Saturday through Monday. Extreme high tides may cause N.C. Highway 12 to be impassable due to ocean overwash.

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

A top wind gust of 58 mph was reported in Hatteras village at 7:55 a.m.

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. A coastal flooding and high winds warning remains in effect for the Outer Banks.

Due to the high winds, all ferry departures from Ocracoke, Cedar Island, and Swan Quarter have been canceled until further notice due to severe wind conditions. Dare County Schools were also closed on Friday.

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/.

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