N.C. Highway 12 closed on Ocracoke; Additional coastal flooding possible on Monday

N.C. Highway 12 was closed on Ocracoke Island at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday between the ferry terminal and the NPS Pony Pens, due to severe ocean overwash. Ocean overwash is expected to continue on Ocracoke throughout the day today, especially at high tide. The next high tide is around 7:30 p.m.

N.C. Highway 12 remained passable throughout Hatteras Island, with no coastal flooding reported as of 8:00 a.m. on Monday, but there are some pockets of deep standing water on the roadway due to rain. If travel is required on Monday, the public is advised to allow extra time and to drive with caution.

Strong southerly winds with gusts up to 45-50 mph could result in additional 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 additional flooding on N.C. Highway 12, is also possible from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke, with large breaking waves of 6 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone, and maximum offshore wave heights of 12-15 feet currently forecast.

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.

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/.