N.C. Highway 12 is open and passable on Hatteras Island as of Tuesday morning, but the roadway remains closed on Ocracoke Island, where North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are working to clear heavy sand and standing water and rebuild portions of the protective dune.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling on Hatteras Island, as some sections still have sand or saltwater on the road, and to check DriveNC.gov for updates before heading to Ocracoke.
A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands until 6:00 p.m., with the potential for additional ocean overwash around this afternoon’s high tide at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office reports that water levels could rise two to four feet above normally dry ground, particularly along vulnerable stretches of oceanfront where dune systems have been weakened by recent storms. Minor flooding and beach erosion are expected to continue through several tide cycles before conditions improve later this week.
Breezy northwest winds will strengthen through the day and shift to northerly this afternoon, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph along the Outer Banks. The combination of high surf, strong winds, and lingering high water will maintain hazardous travel and marine conditions through tonight.
Today’s weather will remain cloudy, cool, and drizzly, with scattered light coastal showers and highs near 70 degrees. Conditions are expected to gradually improve beginning late tonight and into Wednesday as winds ease, seas subside, and water levels slowly recede across the region.
While no home collapses were reported during this latest storm, debris remains on the beach in Buxton due to minor to moderate structural damage, and visitors are advised to avoid this area.
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