Coastal Conditions Challenge Residents and Travelers in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — It’s quite a turbulent time along the North Carolina coast, as high winds and massive waves are making things pretty difficult for locals and visitors alike. Since Saturday morning, Mother Nature has been unleashing her wild side, and it’s leading to significant travel disruptions and some beach closures in the area. With winds whipping and surf conditions hitting up to 12 feet, things are not looking too great for those planning trips to the Outer Banks.

N.C. 12 Closed: A Key Route Impacted

The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced that a portion of N.C. 12, an essential road running through the Outer Banks, was closed due to the adverse weather conditions. As of Sunday, further analysis revealed that the roads on Ocracoke Island will remain closed until at least Monday afternoon. That’s a bummer for those hoping to travel, and it seems ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands is also on hold, leaving folks stranded until things calm down.

Weather Alerts in Effect

Just how bad is the weather? Well, forecasters from the National Weather Service have put out a flood warning, cautioning residents and travelers alike that flooding could reach up to four feet in some areas. This warning is in effect until early Tuesday morning for Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, and the northern stretch of the Outer Banks.

But that’s not all. A high surf advisory is active as well, expected to last until Wednesday morning. The advisory warns of large breaking waves ranging from 8 to 12 feet crashing onto the shores, particularly impacting Hatteras Island and the northern Outer Banks areas. Additionally, there’s a gale warning for high winds still in effect, making beach walks or outdoor activities somewhat risky.

Beach Closures Due to Oil Concerns

Cape Hatteras National Seashore have made the decision to expand beach closures in the Buxton area. Recent observations revealed troubling signs including both petroleum odors and a visible sheen on the ocean water near a former military site that the Navy and Coast Guard once operated. The site, which dates back to the early 1980s, was closed to the public after some alarming findings were reported back in September 2023.

The expanded closure affects approximately three-tenths of a mile of beach, starting from the southernmost beachfront home in Buxton and reaching the southern jetty. It’s an unfortunate circumstance since visitors often seek out this gorgeous stretch of beach when vacationing in the area.

A Glimpse Into History

For those curious about the history behind the former Navy site, it’s quite fascinating. The Navy had established this site to run operations that aided in underwater submarine detection and was instrumental in detecting a Soviet diesel submarine back in 1962. The facility saw its last operations by the Coast Guard, but the remnants now serve as a reminder of the area’s past military activities.

What to Expect Moving Forward

If you’re planning on heading to the Outer Banks or are already there, it’s essential to stay updated on local conditions and adhere to safety advisories from officials. With the weather not showing any signs of letting up just yet, it’s a good idea to keep those beach plans fluid and maintain a sense of caution.

Stay safe, everyone, and keep an eye out for those beautiful beach days around the corner!