Water Level Rise up to 4 Feet Above Ground Forecast in Latest Weather Briefing By JOY CRIST

Friday morning’s soundside flooding began to recede for much of the region by the early afternoon, but the weekend storm is far from over for Hatteras and Ocracoke islanders.

Per the Friday afternoon update from the National Weather Service, 2-4 feet of water level rise above ground level is expected during the weekend storm, which will linger until Sunday. (Originally, 2-3 feet of water level rise was forecasted during the storm.)

Soundside flooding will continue through Friday night into early Saturday, and will be followed by oceanside flooding from Saturday through Monday.

Maximum wind gusts up to 55 mph have also been forecast through Saturday night in the latest briefing. The high winds may peak tonight, but will continue to be strong throughout the weekend. Peak seas of 20 ft. are also forecast for the duration of the storm.

The Outer Banks continues to be under a storm warning.

Soundside flooding was reported in every village on Friday, with some stretches of N.C. Highway 12 virtually impassable.

Dare County Emergency Management advises residents and visitors to use caution since many roads and neighborhoods will continue to experience flooding, particularly during periods of high tide.

Due to the high winds, all ferry departures from Ocracoke, Cedar Island, and Swan Quarter have been canceled until further notice due to the severe wind conditions.

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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