Coastal Flood Watch issued for the Outer Banks for Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 9-10

January 7, 2024 | Local News

Confidence is increasing that a strong cold front will bring stormy conditions to the Outer Banks on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the potential for high winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding along the oceanside and soundside, per a Sunday update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.

A Coastal Flood Watch, Storm Watch, High Wind Watch, and Small Craft Advisory have been issued for the Outer Banks, with the Coastal Flood Watch in effect from noon on Tuesday until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate on Tuesday morning, with wind gusts up to 60 mph currently forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

The strongest gusts and heaviest rains from potentially severe thunderstorms are expected from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, and up to two inches of rain is currently forecast during the storm.

Powerful southerly swell, strong winds, and elevated water levels could produce moderate to locally significant ocean overwash from Duck to North Topsail Beach, N.C. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also forecast along the soundside, for areas adjacent to the Pamlico Sound.

2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, resulting in a threat of property damage. Some roads and low-lying properties, including homes close to the waterfront, will likely experience shallow flooding.

Travel on N.C. Highway 12 may be impacted due to ocean overwash. For updates regarding road conditions during the storm, 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.

For more information on the local weather 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/.