Coastal Flood Watch upgraded to Coastal Flood Warning for the Outer Banks

Multiple warnings have been issued ahead of a strong cold front that will bring stormy conditions to the Outer Banks on Tuesday and Wednesday, per a Monday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.

The biggest threats for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are ocean overwash and soundside flooding, high winds, heavy rains, and the potential for severe thunderstorms.

A Coastal Flood Warning, Storm Warning, High Wind Warning, and High Surf Advisory have been issued for the Outer Banks, with the Coastal Flood Warning in effect from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate on Tuesday morning, with wind gusts of 70 mph or more 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 1.5 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., with offshore wave heights of 20-25 ft. currently forecast. 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/.