Soundside flooding receding; N.C. Highway 12 open but standing saltwater remains

Soundside flooding had noticeably diminished throughout northern Hatteras Island as of Friday evening, however, patches of deep saltwater still remained on numerous portions of N.C. Highway 12.

Standing saltwater was reported in north Avon, sections of Avon village, the Tri-villages, and throughout Pea Island north of Rodanthe as of Friday evening. N.C. Highway 12 was reportedly clear from Avon to Hatteras.

Water levels will continue to recede as winds diminish through Friday evening. Wind speeds are expected to significantly drop overnight, with the wind direction switching to the northwest by Saturday morning.

Motorists are urged to continue to use caution, and to avoid travel through Friday night if possible, as saltwater can damage vehicles.

Wind gusts of 62 mph were reported in Frisco during the recent severe weather, while gusts of 60 mph were recorded in Avon, and gusts of 57 mph were recorded at Oregon Inlet.

For information about current road conditions from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), visit  DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

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/.