Coastal flooding, beach erosion, and high winds forecast with Monday’s severe weather

Severe weather forecast for Sunday night and Monday could lead to minor beach erosion, rough surf, and potential coastal flooding, per a Sunday morning briefing from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City Office.

Strong southerly winds with gusts up to 45-50 mph could result in coastal flooding on Monday, particularly for the soundside areas of the Outer Banks from Avon to Roanoke Island. 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.

Dangerous surf and beach erosion, which could result in the flooding of N.C. Highway 12, is also possible from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Island, with large breaking waves of 6 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone, and maximum offshore wave heights of 12-15 feet.

Thunderstorms and strong wind gusts could damage trees and power lines, resulting in scattered power outages. A few isolated tornadoes are possible, resulting in locally enhanced areas of damage. Heavy rainfall of 1.5- 2 inches is also forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, as well as inland N.C.

A Gale Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory, Wind Advisory and High Surf Advisory have all been issued for Monday, from early morning until late Monday night.

If travel is required on Monday, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depths, and take necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

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/.