Jose Causing Ocean Overwash; High Winds
Jose Causing Ocean Overwash; High Winds
By JOY CRIST
ough surf from Hurricane Jose has caused ocean overwash in several hotspots on Hatteras Island, particularly in the southern Avon area of Kinnakeet Shores and in northern Rodanthe.
Ocean waters were reported on N.C. Highway 12 in both locations as of Monday morning, and while the highway is currently still passable, residents and visitors are urged to slow down and use caution when travelling.
Current road conditions throughout Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, per the NCDOT, are as follows:
Pea Island – Areas of ocean overwash at two locations.
Rodanthe/Mirlo – Ocean overwash and water on roadway. Four inches of water on road as you approach Rodanthe from the north. Ocean overwash at Rodanthe Pier affecting Atlantic Drive and Ocean Drive.
Avon – Ocean overwash on secondary roadways and N.C. 12 around the area of the Food Lion and Seaside Street.
Buxton – No overwash.
Hatteras – Ocean overwash as you enter Hatteras Village.
Ocracoke – No significant ocean overwash overnight, but some expected this morning and next high tide.
Hurricane Jose is expected to move north and pass about 200 miles east of Hatteras later today. A wind advisory has been issued for the Outer Banks, and a Coastal Flood Advisory is in place for Carteret County, Dare County, and Hyde County.
The main impacts continue to be very rough surf and dangerous rip currents that will continue through at least Tuesday. The very large waves combined with gusty north winds could lead to beach erosion and ocean overwash mainly around the time of high tide today – roughly 6:30 p.m. – through Tuesday morning.
Wind gusts may reach 40 mph or higher today and Tuesday, and large ocean swells and rip currents are expected to continue until at least Wednesday.
Visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather forecast information covering Eastern NC, and visit the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov for information on the tropics.
The Island Free Press will continue to monitor this system and will post updates as soon as they are available.
