Coastal Flood Advisory, Storm Warning in effect; Ferry operations suspended for Hatteras & Ocracoke

March 12, 2022 | Local News

Multiple warnings and advisories are in place as a cold front approaches the Outer Banks on Saturday, bringing high winds, thunderstorms, and possible coastal flooding, per a recent update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

A Storm Warning, High Wind Warning, High Surf Advisory, and a Tornado Watch are all in effect until Saturday afternoon. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Mirlo Beach area, north of Rodanthe, at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. Image from NCDOT

Rough surf and minor beach erosion are possible from Oregon Inlet to Surf City, N.C., with maximum offshore wave heights of 15-20 ft. Minor ocean overwash is possible between Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke, and N.C. Highway 12 may be impacted later on Saturday.

Per a 7:00 a.m. Saturday update from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, all portions of N.C. Highway 12 are clear and open at this time.

Strong wind gusts up to 60 mph are expected along the coast, and minor flooding is possible, especially along the soundside of the Outer Banks, from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Soundside flooding up to 2 feet above ground level is currently forecast for areas north of Hatteras village.

Ferry service between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island has been suspended due to severe weather conditions, and all morning trips between Ocracoke, Swan Quarter, and Cedar Island have been canceled. Ferry operations will resume when the weather has improved, and travelers can call the Hatteras ferry terminal at 252-996-6000 for updated information.

Rain may briefly change to snow late Saturday afternoon and evening as temperatures plummet behind the front to the low 30s, with wind chills in the teens. The public is advised to protect outdoor pets and sensitive vegetation as needed.

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/.