Coastal Flood Warning issued as Humberto and Imelda bring long-duration swell event

The Outer Banks is expected to experience a long-duration swell event this week as Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda generate powerful surf and coastal flooding impacts despite remaining well offshore.

According to the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office, confidence is high in a “long-duration and impactful swell event” for eastern North Carolina, with peak impacts expected Tuesday through Thursday. Dangerous surf conditions will begin Monday afternoon and last through much of the week, with large breaking waves and life-threatening rip currents expected along all beaches. Peak offshore wave heights are expected to reach 15-20 feet starting Tuesday.

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible, particularly along vulnerable portions of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Persistent northeast winds will increase the risk of flooding on the sound side, while ocean overwash may make portions of N.C. 12 impassable around high tide.

“Shoreline erosion is possible as impacts will persist most of next week,” said Drew Pearson, Dare County Emergency Management Director. “Dangerous surf conditions start Monday afternoon, and last through much of the upcoming week. Conditions will make ocean swimming life threatening. Travel on NC12 could be impacted due to ocean overwash especially at vulnerable locations at high tide.”

Rainfall impacts have decreased with Imelda’s offshore track, but 1–2 inches of rain are still possible across southern portions of the region, with locally higher totals in heavier showers.

“Confidence in the tracks of Hurricane Humberto and now Tropical Storm Imelda are increasing,” Pearson said. “Both should remain well offshore and bring impacts in the form of ocean hazards to our area.”

For information on the local forecast, visit weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.

The post Coastal Flood Warning issued as Humberto and Imelda bring long-duration swell event appeared first on Island Free Press.

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