A strengthening coastal low is forecast to bring strong northeast winds, large surf, and the potential for coastal flooding and ocean overwash to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands beginning Monday night and lasting through Wednesday, according to a Sunday afternoon update from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Newport/Morehead City
Confidence remains high in the system’s impacts across eastern North Carolina, with conditions expected to peak Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. Wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph are likely along the Outer Banks and Downeast Carteret County, with persistent northeast winds driving elevated water levels and large waves.
A Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, while a Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for the Northern Outer Banks, East Carteret, Pamlico, Beaufort, and Southern Craven Counties. A High Surf Advisory is also in place from Duck to Cape Lookout, and a Gale Warning covers all coastal waters, sounds, and rivers.
The NWS warns that significant ocean overwash is possible, and portions of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands may become impassable at times due to flooding and sand on the roadway.
Potential inundation of 2 to 3 feet above ground level is expected on the oceanside, with 1 to 2 feet possible soundside. Seas offshore could reach 15 to 20 feet, creating dangerous marine conditions and the likelihood of minor to locally moderate beach erosion
Periods of heavy rain are also possible through midweek, though rainfall-related flooding impacts are expected to remain low.
Forecasters added that a separate low-pressure system could impact eastern North Carolina later this week, potentially prolonging unsettled weather conditions.
The next full weather briefing from the NWS Newport/Morehead City office is scheduled by 6 p.m. Monday unless forecast changes warrant an earlier update. For ongoing updates, visit weather.gov/mhx.
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