Soundside flooding reported on multiple sections of N.C. Hwy. 12 from Avon to Oregon Inlet

Soundside flooding that accompanied Friday’s strong winds was reported in multiple areas of N.C. Highway 12 from Avon to Oregon Inlet as of late Friday morning.

As of 11:15 a.m., flooding on N.C. Highway 12 was reported in between Avon and Salvo, throughout the Tri-villages, and north of Rodanthe along Pea Island.

Water levels along the soundside were also rising in Avon, with flooding reported in the Hatteras Colony area of northern Avon as of 10:30 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 probable throughout the day, 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.

Dare County schools released students early on Friday due to deteriorating road conditions.

The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry, and all ferries from Ocracoke to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter, were suspended as of Friday morning due to high winds.

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.