Ocean Overwash Reported with Wednesday Evening’s High Tide

Ocean overwash was reported on N.C. Highway 12 with Wednesday evening’s high tide in the Mirlo Beach area of northern Rodanthe, as well as northern Buxton. The highway remained passable as of 8 p.m., however, there was standing saltwater and sand on the roadway. Motorists who have to drive through the area are advised to use caution, and to drive slowly, as saltwater can damage vehicles.

The next high tide is approximately 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Strong easterly winds and dangerous seas in excess of 10 feet will continue through Thursday, and will produce a dangerous shore break of 6-9 feet along the N.C. coast, especially north of Cape Lookout. Onshore flow will also result in beach erosion and additional ocean overwash, and N.C. Highway 12 may continue to be affected, especially during high tide cycles.

An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain, (with locally higher amounts), is forecast for the remainder of the week. This rainfall, on top of already saturated soils from Tropical Storm Arthur, could also result in flash flooding and flooding of poor drainage areas.

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/.