The National Weather Service at 7 a.m. April 8 provided the following update to its weekend forecast:
Prolonged strong winds – Winds are currently expected to peak late tonight through Sunday morning with frequent wind gusts around 50 mph for the Outer Banks from Oregon Inlet to Downeast Carteret, then only very slowly diminish thereafter. These long-duration strong winds will bring moderate to locally major coastal flooding along the southwestern Pamlico Sound and adjacent rivers, and will generate large swell and dangerous surf, with significant ocean overwash possible for the beaches from Cape Hatteras to Oregon Inlet.
At 8 a.m. Saturday morning, the N.C. Ferry Division issued the follow message on Twitter.
Good Morning , Hatteras Ferry has suspended operations/departures until further notice due to severe wind conditions. . We will continue to monitor this weather pattern and will re-open when safe passage is possible. Please call 252-996-6000 for updates.
The Ocracoke/Swan Quarter/Cedar Island ferry service is suspended until safe to resume.
The NC Weather Forecast Office Friday morning (April 7) issued a warning that a coastal storm is expected to impact eastern North Carolina this weekend, with gale-force winds and two to three inches of rain possible on the Outer Banks.
The North Carolina Ferry Division on Twitter gave a heads-up that the high winds could cause service disruptions until it is safe to resume.
High winds will begin on Friday afternoon and rain early Saturday morning which could possibly continue into Sunday morning.
The Outer Banks may receive sound side flooding and ocean overwash that could impact travel on NC 12.
This is the second weekend in a row that a strong cold front has impacted the Outer Banks. Last weekend high winds temporarily suspended ferry service.
The Easter sunrise service at the Lifeguard beach has been canceled. Regular services at both churches on Ocracoke will be at 11 a.m.
