NORFOLK, Va. — Portions of Dare County are expected to experience coastal flooding, gusty winds, possible ocean over wash and hazardous marine conditions beginning midday Monday, the county said.
"The National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City has issued a Coastal Flood Warning, as well as a Coastal Flood Advisory, Wind Advisory, and High Surf Advisory. Gale Warnings are also in place for our coastal waters," the county said in an email Sunday.
The flood warning will be in place from noon Monday until 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
According to NCDOT’s Twitter, NC-12 is closed between the Oregon Inlet and the Rodanthe roundabout, because of the strong winds and high tides.
Dare County’s Director of Emergency Management Drew Pearson said both the sound and ocean sides of the Outer Banks are in for flooding.
He said waterfront homes are especially at risk.
“Most of the areas may see some over wash and minor impacts. But oceanfront properties, if they get water up under a house and there are cars there, they may get water into their cars,” Pearson said. “So they need to be mindful of that. Same thing on the sound side, they need to keep an eye on what the water levels are doing.”
Pearson said his team is expecting minor to moderate flooding on the sound side, and moderate to major flooding on the ocean side.
Red flags are flying at beaches along the Outer Banks warning people to stay out of the water. Pearson said it can be dangerous.
“If people don’t heed the warning to stay out of the ocean, lives will be lost in the ocean. It’s a hazardous place right now,” Pearson said.
Two to four feet of above-ground oceanside inundation is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways during that time, the county said.
You can find the most recent information about road conditions on N.C. Highway 12, at www.facebook/ncdotnc12, on Twitter @NCDOTNC12 or by visiting drivenc.gov.
