Warning Extended to Dare County and Ocracoke Island

The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Outer Banks starting from 4 p.m. on Sunday until 8 a.m. on Tuesday due to strong westerly winds with gusts of 35-45 mph. These winds are expected to arise late Sunday and last into Monday afternoon causing minor to moderate water level rises.

Inhabitants of Dare County have been warned to prepare as 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level is expected, particularly in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Ocracoke Island has also been issued a Coastal Flood Advisory with an anticipation of 2 to 3 ft. of inundation above ground level.

Areas of High Impact

The strongest water levels within these regions are likely to occur between Rodanthe and Hatteras Village, as well as locations adjacent to Kitty Hawk Bay and the northern Roanoke Sound. The local communities are advised to be alert since several places along N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island are likely to experience flooding.

Local Authority Measures

Local authorities are taking necessary precautions and alerting community members to take appropriate measures to mitigate property damage and ensure their safety. They are also making arrangements to provide necessary help and support for affected individuals.

Weather Information Access

Residents are advised to stay updated on latest local weather updates through reliable online sources. The National Weather Service’s office in Newport/Morehead City has generated a series of posts on its Facebook page to keep citizens informed about the changing weather patterns.

Looking Ahead

Although the Coastal Flood Warning is currently set to be lifted on Tuesday morning, residents are advised to remain vigilant and monitor updates from the National Weather Service, as conditions may change. In addition, potential rainfall within the upcoming days might exacerbate the flooding situation in these areas.

Local authorities recommend residents in these areas to take appropriate precautions such as securing their properties, keeping an emergency kit ready, and avoiding travel within the timeframe of the flood warning.

Extra Vigilance Required

All residents, local businesses, and weekend visitors at the Outer Banks and surrounding areas are urged to be alert to the hazardous conditions and update their safety plans accordingly. The use of protective measures such as sandbags and flood barriers could prove critical in protecting properties from expected water level rises.

Coastal Area Conservation Needs Attention

These recurring weather warnings and subsequent floods in coastal areas amplify the need for robust and effective coastal management practices. Efforts focused on preserving sand dunes, installing flood gates, improving drainage systems, and investing in coastal barriers can better shield these areas during such flood warnings.

Caution Continues

As flooding situations can develop rapidly, all inhabitants and visitors in the Outer Banks region are advised to stay safe, heed official warnings, and act promptly when it comes to their safety and the safety of their community in the days ahead.