Soundside flooding reported in Tri-villages and Pea Island

March 12, 2022 | Local News

Salvo at noon on Saturday. Image from Altitude 12 at https://www.facebook.com/altitude12

5:00 p.m. UPDATE: Water levels have rescinded, and N.C. Highway 12 remains open and passable throughout. Standing water is on the highway in multiple locations, and drivers should use caution. Hatteras and Ocracoke Island ferry operations remain suspended.

Soundside flooding was reported on multiple portions of N.C. Highway 12 on northern Hatteras Island as of noon on Saturday, including the Tri-villages communities of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo, and Pea Island.

“NC 12 from Ramp 25 to just south of Pea Island has soundside flooding from 4 inches to 1.5 feet of water,” stated the Dare County Sheriff’s Office in a 12:15 p.m. update. “Some areas are passable. Highest water is in the Camp Hatteras area and is unpassable there. Northbound lane in Salvo at Farrow [Drive] is closed.”

Islanders are advised to avoid travel in these areas, although N.C. Highway 12 remains open as of 1:00 p.m. Blowing sand and standing water from heavy rains was also reported on southern Hatteras Island as of noon on Saturday, affecting visibility and road conditions.

All ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, including all Pamlico Sound routes from Ocracoke, have been suspended due to severe weather conditions. Ferry operations will resume when the weather has improved, and travelers can call the Hatteras ferry terminal at 252-996-6000 for updated information.

A Storm Warning, High Wind Warning, High Surf Advisory, and a Tornado Watch are all in effect until Saturday afternoon. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Strong wind gusts up to 60 mph are expected to continue along the coast through Saturday evening. Soundside flooding up to 2 feet above ground level is currently forecast for areas north of Hatteras village.

Rain may briefly change to snow late Saturday afternoon and evening as temperatures plummet behind the front to the low 30s, with wind chills in the teens. The public is advised to protect outdoor pets and sensitive vegetation as needed.

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/.