A slow moving low pressure system, followed by an Arctic cold front, will bring a variety of weather impacts to the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina ahead of Christmas weekend.
We’ve got more details in this update recorded Thursday afternoon:
From Dare County Emergency Management, Thursday 4:30 p.m.:
Portions of Dare County are expected to experience coastal flooding, gusty winds, possible ocean overwash, record low temperatures and hazardous marine conditions beginning Friday, December 23, 2022 and lasting through Saturday, December 24, 2022, as a result of a strong storm system that will impact our area.
The National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City has issued a Coastal Flood Warning, as well as a High Wind Advisory, a High Surf Advisory and a Wind Chill Advisory. Gale Warnings are also in place for our coastal waters.
Coastal Flood Warning
The Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, December 23, 2022 through 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Two to four feet of above ground soundside inundation is expected in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Vulnerable oceanfront areas are most at risk and residents and visitors in those areas should be ready to take action to protect property.
Ocean overwash should be expected at vulnerable beachfront properties and roadways around the time of high tide beginning Friday, December 23, 2022 and persisting into Saturday, December 24, 2022. N.C. Hwy. 12 on Hatteras Island may see ocean overwash that impacts travel. Oceanfront properties on the north end of Rodanthe that have experienced overwash are particularly vulnerable. Residents and visitors in this area should be prepared for flooding.
High Wind and High Surf Advisories
High Wind and High Surf Advisories are also in effect. West winds at 25 to 35 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph expected tomorrow, December 23, 2022 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The west wind will continue into the weekend, making soundside flooding a threat from Kitty Hawk to Hatteras Island, including Roanoke Island, well into late Saturday. Flood waters may impact travel on roads that flood with persistent westerly winds. Travel through flooded roads should be avoided.
Wind Chill Advisory
The National Weather Service has also issued a Wind Chill Advisory for Dare County, effective from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, December 23, 2022, to 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Arctic air will push into the region reducing temperatures to possible record lows. These temperatures coupled with high winds could lower the wind chill as low as zero degrees.
With power outages a possibility, everyone should prepare winter clothes and warm blankets. Check heating systems and pipes for insulation now to help avoid impacts as temperatures drop. As temperatures drop, keeping a slow flow of water in faucets may help keep uninsulated pipes from freezing. Please use caution when traveling outside during this time.
Click here to view winter fire safety tips, shared by the National Fire Protection Association.
National Weather Service seven-day forecasts for:
Sign up for emergency alerts from Dare County and its municipalities.
Currituck County provides beach safety and emergency updates for Corolla and the mainland via Currituck Alert.
LIVE video from Kitty Hawk, courtesy Twiddy & Co.:
LIVE video from Downtown Manteo, courtesy Town of Manteo
