A non-tropical low pressure system will impact the Outer Banks Thursday evening and Friday, bringing the potential for multiple hazards including strong winds, coastal flooding, and heavy rain, per an update from the National Weather Service.
Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding (soundside and oceanside) is expected, with inundation of 2-4 ft. above ground level. Coastal flooding may persist into the weekend due to high astronomical tides, and ocean overwash may impact portions of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Dangerous surf and minor beach erosion are also expected.
There is the potential for rapid water level rises for soundside Ocracoke Island and southern Hatteras Island Friday as strong north winds develop.
“Those in vulnerable ocean and soundside locations should be ready to take action to protect property from storm surge,” stated Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson. “Please keep an eye on the weather should you need to travel, especially during hours of darkness.”
A High Wind Warning, Coastal Flood Warning, and High Surf Advisory are in effect starting early Friday morning.
Strong northerly winds gusting to 45-65 mph with periods of heavy rain totaling 2-4 inches should also be anticipated. Heavy rain may lead to minor localized flooding
A list of local Outer Banks resources for additional information is below.
- For information on the local forecast, visit weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
- For local water level forecasts from the NWS, visit https://water.noaa.gov/wfo/mhx
- For updates regarding road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on its Facebook page.
- To get notified of ferry delays or cancellations, sign up for text and/or email alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system: www.ncdot.gov/fins.
