Coastal Flood Warning issued for the Outer Banks

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Hatteras Island and the northern Outer Banks from 7:00 a.m. on Sunday until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, per an update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.

A High Surf Advisory is also in effect from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday through 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday for all oceanside beaches from Buxton to Duck.

Strong north winds are forecast to continue, combined with the ongoing King Tide cycle, leading to waves of 6-10 feet throughout the Outer Banks. As a result, 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level is expected, which may have impacts on N.C. Highway 12.

The greatest threats are expected to occur around Sunday morning and Monday morning’s high tides. High tide will occur at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Sunday and 10:15 a.m. on Monday.

Areas with compromised and poor dune structures, such as on Pea Island between Oregon Inlet and the Jug Handle Bridge, northern Rodanthe, and northern Buxton could experience impacts from potential ocean overwash.

Drivers are advised to check road conditions before traveling and can follow N.C. Highway 12 updates via the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Facebook at www.facebook/ncdotnc12, or by visiting drivenc.gov.

A high risk of rip currents is also expected for the next several days, which means that dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions exist, and beachgoers should stay out of the ocean.

The public should check surf and swimming conditions before heading to the beach, and the daily beach forecast at www.weather.gov/beach/mhx includes rip current risk levels, and information about other hazards along the shoreline. In addition, the public can visit Dare County’s Love The Beach, Respect The Ocean website for current rip current risks and additional info.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.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/.