From our news services
The National Weather Service out of Newport News/Morehead City today (Nov. 5) upgraded its initial forecast about the strong coastal low is expected this weekend.
Heavy rains beginning Saturday morning could produce coastal flooding and ocean overwash on Hatteras Island, especially during high tides, potentially leading to challenging or impassable travel conditions, especially Sunday and Monday morning, along N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Strong winds along the coast will bring surf and beach erosion with the worst on Sunday into Monday.
Off-road vehicle routes will likely be impassable for the next several days, said a news release from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which urges all Seashore users to stay out of the Atlantic Ocean until conditions subside.
Flooding rainfall is possible along the coast as well.
Strong, damaging winds of 45 to 60 mph with gusts over 55 mph may result in suspension of ferry service until it is deemed safe to resume.
As of this evening, the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry was keeping to its schedule, but noted on social media that the incoming weather system may cause ferry cancellations. Travelers can call the Hatteras terminal for updated information at 252-996-6000.
Earlier today, the Ferry Division canceled the Pamlico Sound ferry, noting that weather packing wind gusts up to 30 mph has made travel unsafe in the Pamlico Sound. Ferries will resume when it’s safe to do so.
N.C. Department of Transportation officials on Friday used heavy equipment to push sand onto dunes from Pea Island to Ocracoke and then staged graders, excavators and other equipment along potential trouble spots to respond in case conditions worsen through the weekend.
