Christmas cold front could bring severe weather, coastal flooding

A strong cold front is expected to affect the Outer Banks late Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, with strong winds likely to produce coastal flooding and possible severe weather, per a Tuesday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office

Strong southerly winds of up to 30 mph will produce high water levels and potentially minor coastal flooding for the Pamlico Sound, and ocean overwash is possible for vulnerable portions of Ocracoke Island and N.C. Highway 12 with strong onshore flow and 10 to 15 ft. seas.

Up to 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, resulting in a low threat of property damage. If travel is required on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, allow extra time as some roads may be impacted. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth, and take necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

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/.