News Summary
Residents and visitors of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are advised to prepare for severe weather. The National Weather Service has issued three weather advisories: a High Surf Advisory, Coastal Flood Advisory, and Wind Advisory. With dangerous surf conditions, potential flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and take safety precautions. Ensure to monitor local advisories and avoid driving through flooded areas. Stay safe and prioritize your well-being during these adverse weather conditions.
Weather Alerts for Hatteras and Ocracoke: Stay Safe!
Residents and visitors of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, listen up! The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm with not one, not two, but three important weather advisories! With a low pressure system swirling nearby, you might want to prepare for some wild weather over the next day or so.
High Surf and Coastal Flood Alerts in Effect
First up, we’ve got a High Surf Advisory that’s kicking in at 8 p.m. on Monday and will last until 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Expect some awe-inspiring but potentially dangerous surf conditions, with large waves reaching heights of 5 to 8 feet! If you were planning on taking a dip or hitting the waves, you might want to reconsider your plans for the time being.
Alongside the High Surf Advisory, there’s also a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect during the same period. The forecast predicts some serious water levels, with 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas close to shorelines and tidal waterways—think southern Pamlico Sound, rivers, and oceanfront from Oregon Inlet all the way to Cape Lookout.
Wind Advisory: Hold on to Your Hats!
The wind is also kicking up a fuss! A Wind Advisory will be in place from 10 p.m. on Monday night until 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Brace yourselves for north winds whipping through at 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts that could gust as high as 50 mph. That’s enough to toss around patio furniture and make some seriously tricky driving conditions.
If you’re in Hatteras, Ocracoke Islands, or even in Downeast Carteret County, be on the lookout for updated advisories. Just this morning, another coastal flood advisory rolled out that emphasizes the same time frame, effective until 5 p.m. Stay sharp!
Flooding Troubles Ahead
For those who need to evacuate, make sure to lock up your home and disconnect utilities before hightailing it out of there. Water can move quickly and sneak up on you, so avoid any areas where water is deep enough to submerge electrical outlets.
Driving Cautions: Hydroplaning Risks
When it comes to driving, proceed with caution, especially on vulnerable stretches of Highway 12. Even a tiny bit of water can pose a serious risk—12 inches of fast-flowing water could sweep a vehicle right off the road. If your car starts to hydroplane, don’t panic! Stay calm, steer straight, and try to avoid making any sudden moves. Your safety is paramount.
Beachten Debris and Stay Informed
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office has already reported some overwash and moderate flooding in specific areas, like the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive. Beachgoers should steer clear of these spots to avoid any lurking debris from the stormy seas.
The good news? All campgrounds in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are still open, but campers should definitely keep flooding in mind while pitching their tents. Rapid water level rises are predicted for sound-side areas of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, so don’t let your guard down!
Final Thoughts
With these weather advisories hanging in the air, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepare. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe during this windy and wet weather! We’ll stay on top of any updates that come our way.
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Weather Alert: Snow and Ice Warning Hits North Carolina
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times
- Charlotte Observer
- WITN
- WRAL
- WAVY
- Wikipedia: Weather alert
- Google Search: Hatteras weather alerts
- Google Scholar: Hatteras weather events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather advisories
- Google News: Ocracoke weather warnings
