Coastal flooding and ocean overwash a concern as Sally and Teddy impact the OBX

Coastal flooding and ocean overwash due to heavy rainfall, high astronomical tides, increasing swell from Hurricane Teddy, and a prolonged northeast wind will remain a concern through the weekend, per a Thursday evening update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

The imminent severe weather is expected to be a long-duration event through multiple tide cycles starting on Friday, and lasting through the weekend.

At high tide, significant ocean overwash is expected, with N.C. Highway 12 possibly being impacted. Beach erosion is also likely, with 7-to-12 foot waves forecasted through the weekend.

The next high tide is at approximately 8:00-8:30 p.m. on Thursday night.

Heavy rains are also expected to continue through Thursday night. Ponding of water on roads is likely, with flash flooding possible where the heaviest rain occurs. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for all of eastern North Carolina.

A high risk of rip currents is also in effect for all Outer Banks beaches on Friday. The elevated rip current risk will continue through the weekend, due to the dangerous surf and swell produced by Hurricane Teddy.

Farther north, scattered severe thunderstorms are still possible overnight. A few storms could become strong to severe, producing damaging wind gusts with isolated tornadoes possible. With strong storms overnight, the public is advised to have multiple ways to receive warnings.

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/.