Ocean overwash reported ahead of Tuesday’s noon high tide

Ocean overwash was reported in Buxton roughly three hours before Tuesday’s noon high tide, and additional overwash is possible on vulnerable stretches of N.C. Highway 12, as a coastal low pressure system continues to impact the Outer Banks.

Due to hazardous weather conditions, all Ocracoke Island ferry service has been suspended, including the Hatteras–Ocracoke route.

According to the latest update from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Newport/Morehead City, the system is expected to produce strong northeast winds, large surf, and periods of coastal flooding and ocean overwash along the Outer Banks through at least midweek.

Forecasters warn that significant ocean overwash will likely affect vulnerable stretches of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, making the highway inaccessible at times.

Coastal flooding is forecast along the oceanfront up to three hours before and after high tide, which will occur around noon on Tuesday, 1 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, and 3:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

Oceanside inundation of 2 to 3 feet above ground level is expected, along with 1 to 2 feet of flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound and nearby rivers, including the Neuse, Bay, Pamlico, and Pungo Rivers.

Wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph are likely, with isolated gusts up to 60 mph possible along the Outer Banks. Persistent northeast winds will continue to drive elevated water levels and rough surf from Cape Lookout northward to Duck.

The NWS notes a low-end chance for higher water rises—up to 3 feet above ground level—along the southern Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. Rough surf and localized beach erosion are also expected throughout the Outer Banks.

A Coastal Flood Warning and Gale Warning remain in effect for all coastal waters, sounds, and rivers, with winds of 35 to 45 knots continuing through Wednesday morning. Seas are forecast to peak Tuesday evening at 15 to 20 feet offshore and remain elevated for much of the week.

While periods of heavy rain are possible through midweek, rainfall impacts are expected to remain low.

Forecasters are also monitoring a separate low-pressure system that could bring additional impacts to eastern North Carolina later this week. For local conditions and updated advisories, visit weather.gov/mhx.