Coastal Flood Warning, High Wind Warning, High Surf Advisory issued for the Outer Banks

A Coastal Flood Warning, High Wind Warning, High Surf Advisory, and Storm Warning have been issued for the Outer Banks, due to a coastal storm that is expected to impact Eastern N.C. on Sunday and Monday, per a recent briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Moderate to minor ocean overwash is expected, with the greatest threat from the northern Outer Banks to Ocracoke, from Sunday through Monday. Portions of N.C. Highway 12 could be impacted, especially around high tide. The next high tide is around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evening.

Minor to moderate soundside flooding is also expected with the storm, with 2-4 ft. above-ground-level water level rises possible from Ocracoke to the northern Outer Banks.

Strong winds with gusts up to 50-60 mph are probable along the Outer Banks from Sunday through Monday, with offshore seas up to 20’ feet. Heavy rains of 1.5-2 inches could also result in localized flooding of low-lying areas.

Due to deteriorating weather conditions, Ocracoke to Swan Quarter and Ocracoke to Cedar Island ferry operations have been suspended for Sunday, January 16.

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/.