Soundside flooding reported in Tri-villages, Strong winds will continue through Friday

Soundside flooding was reported on N.C. Highway 12 in the Tri-villages area of northern Hatteras Island, and particularly in Salvo, as of 10:00 a.m. on Friday. Water levels along the soundside were also rising in Avon, with flooding reported in the Hatteras Colony area of northern Avon as of 10 a.m.

Standing water and sand was also reported in northern Hatteras village as of 9:00 a.m.

Winds will peak between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday, with maximum wind gusts up to 48 mph.

The strong southwest winds will continue to make soundside flooding possible, with inundation of 1-2 ft. forecast, and especially north of Buxton.

Blowing sand and possible flooding may make travel difficult, and motorists are advised to slow down in areas of standing water, as saltwater can damage vehicles. Limited visibility due to blowing sand was also reported on N.C. Highway 12 between Rodanthe and Oregon Inlet, and as of 10:30 a.m., flooding was reported on Pea Island near the Capt. Richard Etheridge Bridge.

Mainland ferry routes from Ocracoke to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter were suspended as of Friday morning.

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/.

The Island Free Press will continue to post updates as soon as they become available.