Moderate to major ocean overwash, coastal flooding likely this weekend

Confidence is increasing that moderate to major ocean overwash and coastal flooding will impact the Outer Banks this weekend, potentially making N.C. Highway 12 impassable at times, per a Friday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

A coastal low pressure system will bring strong winds throughout the weekend, and ocean overwash is forecast on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, especially north of Cape Hatteras in Buxton. Impacts to N.C. Highway 12 are expected, and the greatest threat of ocean overwash is around the morning high tides on Sunday and Monday, and possibly on Saturday and Tuesday as well.

15 to 20 ft. waves in the surf zone will lead to dangerous beach conditions and erosion, and soundside flooding is also possible, especially for southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. Minor inundation with water levels 1-2 feet above ground level is possible Saturday morning through Monday morning, with flooding likely for very low-lying areas immediately adjacent to the Pamlico Sound.

Peak wind gusts of 50-60 mph are forecast on Sunday through Sunday night, and a total of 4-6” inches of rainfall is also expected with the storm. Localized flash flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.