From our news services
The National Weather Service out of Morehead City/Newport reported Wednesday morning that the robust low pressure system that has impacted the area the last few days will make its closest approach to the coast tonight (May 11) before starting to sink southward.
Several coastal hazards including ocean overwash, coastal flooding, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions persist, with maximum wind gusts of 45-50 mph are forecasted for Wednesday. A coastal flood warning remains in effect through early Thursday morning.
Along the sound side, one to three feet of flooding is still possible for low-lying areas until early Thursday, particularly for Ocracoke Island and southern Hatteras Island.
All ferries remain canceled as of Wednesday morning and NC 12 remains closed south of the Marc Basnight Bridge on Hatteras Island.
“The overnight high tide was not kind to our efforts to reopen the road, as more overwash and sand covers the road at the Pea Island Visitor Center and the S-Curves,” the NCDOT said in an update. “Our crews were out at first light, trying to clear the road and rebuild protective dunes and berms in advance of the next high tide this afternoon. Right now, it’s too early to tell if we will be able to reopen to traffic today.”
Additional overwash is possible on Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday, starting with the next high tide at roughly 4:30 p.m.
To read more, see yesterday’s post: Stalled storm prompts WWII talk postponement, curtails ferry service
The good news is conditions begin improving on Thursday.
