Coastal Flood, High Surf, and Wind Advisories Issued for Outer Banks

Coastal Flood, High Surf and Wind Advisories have been issued for the Outer Banks in anticipation of a winter storm that is expected to impact the area starting on Sunday, per a Saturday morning briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

1-2 feet above ground oceanside flooding and 1 foot above ground soundside flooding are forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands from Sunday through Monday, as well as 2-3 inches of rain, with heavier accumulations on southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.

Wind gusts up to 45-50 mph are forecast during the storm as well, starting on Sunday morning through Monday.

High surf will also be an issue during the storm, with wave heights up to 16 feet. Significant beach erosion and localized ocean overwash is expected, and Gale Warnings have been issued for the waters, sounds, and rivers along the N.C. coastline.

Up to 1-2” of snow is forecast for inland North Carolina along the coastal plain, however no snowfall is currently forecast for the Outer Banks.

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