Raleigh, N.C. Faces Major Flooding After Coastal Storm
Hey there, folks! If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, you might want to hold off for just a little while longer. As of Monday afternoon, the stunning coastal highway, N.C. 12, has been left with as much as one foot of water in certain areas after a powerful storm swept through the region over the weekend.
According to local transportation officials, the beloved N.C. 12 is expected to reopen later today, however, it won’t be completely smooth sailing just yet. Riders should anticipate lingering 12 inches of water in some spots. The storm brought some serious waves crashing against the shoreline, and we’re still feeling its effects.
High Surf Warnings Still in Effect
As if flooding weren’t enough, there’s also a high surf warning that remains in place throughout Monday for Carteret County, which is just north of Emerald Isle and Morehead City. Wave heights are expected to be around 10 feet. That’s some seriously gnarly surf!
But wait, it gets even more interesting! Over at Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands, a high surf advisory is still going strong, with breaking waves predicted to reach up to 12 feet today. Talk about a wild ride for anyone looking to hit the beach!
Where’s the Water Still High?
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty about where specifically you should steer clear. N.C. 12 is currently closed between Elizabeth Avenue and Sandpiper Drive on Hatteras Island. Nope, you can’t get through there yet! Additionally, there’s also a closure between the National Park Service Pony Pen and the Ocracoke-South Dock Ferry Terminal on Ocracoke Island, both due to some serious ocean over-wash.
Flooding is a major concern in both areas, with ongoing coastal flood warnings until 7 p.m. tonight and flooding expected to reach up to an astounding four feet in some places. That’s definitely not something you want to drive through, so we advise caution!
Ferry Services Temporarily Halted
Oh, and if you were hoping to take the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry, we’ve got some bad news. Operations have been temporarily suspended due to the harsh weather conditions. So, if your travel plans included this route, it looks like you might be rerouting for now.
When Will Things Get Back to Normal?
The good news is there’s some optimism from officials that roadways on both Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands could be reopening by 5 p.m. today. However, earlier estimates had set this time earlier, around 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., so let’s just say it could be a wait-and-see situation. Keep that in mind if you’re heading out on any fun holiday ventures!
Stay Safe!
As we enter the holiday season, it’s crucial to stay informed and safe. So keep an eye on local updates, and be cautious if you find yourself in or near affected areas. The stunning views of the Outer Banks will be waiting for you, but it might be better to wait just a tad longer for them to dry out!
Stay tuned, stay safe, and happy holiday planning, everyone!
