It looks like the Outer Banks will be dealing with another weekend of breezy conditions, that coupled with higher-than-normal lunar tides, could lead to some minor overwash and coastal flood threat for the east-facing beaches.
According to the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City office, northeasterly winds in combination with king tides will result in a threat for minor to locally moderate coastal flooding across portions of eastern North Carolina.
Oceanside areas will be more vulnerable north of Cape Hatteras, while soundside locations will be more vulnerable south.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for all of the Outer Banks, areas along the southwestern Pamlico Sound and Neuse/Bay Rivers, and coastal Carteret and Onslow counties.
Water level rises of 1 to 2 feet above ground are possible, with some areas seeing as much as 3 feet, due to the winds in the advisory area.
High tides at Oregon Inlet on Saturday are at 7:44 a.m. and 8:19 p.m., and on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 9:06 p.m.
Northeast winds are forecast to be around 15 to 20 mph on Saturday. Seas of 3 to 4 feet are forecast during the day along the coastal waters, but will increase to 8 to 9 feet by Sunday morning.
That could lead to travel issues during the periods of one to two hours on either side of high tide along N.C. 12 between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, as well as along the four-wheel drive area north of Corolla to Swan Beach and Carova.
Winds are not expected to be strong enough to impact Ocracoke ferry service on Saturday and Sunday, but travelers should check the N.C. Ferry Division’s social media accounts for schedule updates.
The rip current risk is expected to increase to high on Saturday and Sunday, and everyone should stay out of the ocean.
National Weather Service seven-day forecasts for:
LIVE data from flood gauges at key locations throughout North Carolina, including automated email and text alerts, visit https://fiman.nc.gov/
Sign up for emergency alerts from Dare County and its municipalities. Beach safety and rip current information can be found at LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com.
Currituck County provides beach safety and emergency updates for Corolla and the mainland via Currituck Alert.
For the latest images from NCDOT traffic cameras on the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina, visit: https://wobx.com/2022/06/01/outer-banks-northeastern-north-carolina-traffic-cameras/.
LIVE video from Kitty Hawk, courtesy Twiddy & Co.:
LIVE video from Rodanthe, courtesy RodanthePierLLC.com:
Click to watch LIVE video from Corolla, courtesy Currituck County/WebCOOS