Michael Brings Significant Soundside Flooding Overnight to the Outer Banks

Multiple areas of the Outer Banks saw significant soundside flooding last night, with the highest levels of inundation recorded north of Cape Hatteras.

The Pamlico Sound began inundating Hatteras Island at around 10 p.m. on Thursday night, affecting multiple stretches of N.C. Highway 12 from northern Buxton to Pea Island. Up to 3-4 feet of water inundation was reported in several locations as water levels peaked at around 12:45 a.m., including central and northern Avon, Salvo, Waves and Rodanthe.

By 7 a.m. on Friday morning, most of the water had receded, but standing saltwater was reported on N.C. Highway 12 in the tri-villages and in sections of Avon north of Avon village. Water levels are improving, but expect minor flooding to linger through the morning hours.

N.C. Highway 12 is currently open, however vehicles are advised to use extreme caution, as there is still water and debris all along the road. The US 64 Manteo-Nags Head causeway north of Hatteras Island, as well as the Beach Bypass, are both open to travel in both directions, but also have a noticeable amount of debris. 

US National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC reports that Michael is now extratropical and is quickly moving away from land, and winds and water levels will continue to diminish throughout the day.

Updates on Local, State and County Services:

All Ocracoke and Hatteras island ferries will be running as scheduled today.

National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will open today at 12 p.m. Off-road vehicle ramps are currently open, however, some beach routes may be impassable, especially during high tide conditions. Visitors are strongly urged to stay out of the Atlantic Ocean as rip current threats remain high today.

Due to flooding in various areas of the county, Dare County Sschools will be closed for students and staff on Friday, October 12.

There will be no residential trash collection in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon today, Friday, due to water on roadways. Commercial pickup scheduled for today will occur as planned, contingent on water in the roadways.

Due to weather conditions, Dare County offices will open at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 12.