High Surf Advisory in effect; Coastal flooding possible as Paulette impacts the OBX

Monday marks another day of hazardous beach conditions as Hurricane Paulette, which is currently located over Bermuda, continues to impact the Outer Banks, per a recent update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

Powerful swells from Hurricane Paulette are now reaching Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, and there is a high risk for rip currents for all local beaches, as well as a High Surf Advisory from Duck to Cape Lookout. The NWS strongly recommends that everyone stay out of the water on Monday.

In addition, ocean overwash and beach erosion is expected on Monday and Tuesday, and especially at high tide. This will likely impact travel along N.C. Highway 12 on the Outer Banks, but as of 8:00 a.m. on Monday, the highway was clear and passable throughout Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. (Minor ocean overwash was reported on N.C. Highway 12 on Sunday afternoon, however, in northern Buxton, and around Sunday’s high tide.)

The next high tide is at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening.

As of 8:00 a.m., the center of the eye of Hurricane Paulette was located over northeastern Bermuda or near latitude 32.9 North, longitude 64.7 West. Paulette is moving toward the north-northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h).  A turn toward the north is expected soon, and should continue into this afternoon.  A faster motion toward the northeast is expected by this evening, and will likely continue through Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 95 mph (155 km/h) with higher gusts.  Additional strengthening is likely when Paulette turns northeastward and moves away from Bermuda tonight through Tuesday.

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/.