A powerful coastal storm continues to batter the Outer Banks on Sunday, prompting the closure of N.C. Highway 12 at the Marc Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet due to substantial ocean overwash on Pea Island, northern Buxton, and other vulnerable sections of Hatteras Island.
The highway also remains closed on northern Ocracoke Island, and all ferry service is suspended because of unsafe conditions.
Standing water and overwash were reported as early as Sunday morning—hours before the midday high tide—throughout Pea Island, Buxton, north of Hatteras Village, and on northern Ocracoke Island. Flooding has intensified through the late morning, with additional inundation expected around the noon high tide.
Minor to moderate structural damage has been reported in Buxton, where several oceanfront homes sustained impacts from high surf and wave action. The public is urged to avoid these areas as debris washes ashore and conditions remain unsafe.
Photos captured Sunday morning show ocean water overtopping dunes and spreading across roadways in Buxton, Pea Island, and other low-lying stretches of the highway.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office, the storm is expected to peak around midday, bringing strong northeast winds, significant coastal flooding, and hazardous surf conditions. Storm Warnings are now in effect for all coastal waters and the Pamlico Sound, while High Wind Warnings cover the Outer Banks from Down East Carteret County north through Duck. Coastal impacts, including ocean overwash and beach erosion, will linger into early this week, with gradual improvement expected by midweek.
Northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, are expected through mid to late afternoon, coinciding with the most dangerous period of the storm..
Conditions are forecast to gradually improve Monday into Tuesday, but residual flooding and beach erosion will continue into early week. Coastal residents are advised to continue monitoring local forecasts and remain cautious during upcoming high-tide cycles.
For the latest weather updates, visit weather.gov/mhx, and for real-time road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov.
The post UPDATE: N.C. Highway 12 closes at Basnight Bridge as ocean overwash worsens on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands appeared first on Island Free Press.
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